




Xans^ownc 

past 



an6 



|p>icecnt 



1888 



1908 



GEORGE C. JOHNSON 

Editor and Proprietor 
Lansdowne, Pa. 






Patronize Home iDstitutions 

What Helps Your Neighborhood Helps You 

INTEREST PAID ON ALL DEPOSITS 




The Lansdowne and Darby 

Saving Fund and Trust Co. 

Assets, $662,928.69 



Xanebowne 
j^aet anb (bresent 

1888 1908 



(iK' 



GBORGB C. JOHNSON 

Editor and Publisher 
Lansdowne, Pa. 



5^ 



u-^ 



Copyright, iqo8. 

By George C. Johnson, 

I^ansdowne, Pa. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CODies Received 

APR 26 1809 

CLASS ^^ XXc. No, 

c6py s. / 



FIRST JNT^TIOISr^L B AIsTK 

OF CLIFTON HEIOHTS 
Capital, - - $50,000 

United States Government Depository. 

Depository for the Commonweath of Pennsylvania. 

Offer? first class up-to date banking facilities. Solicits Accounts from 

Business Firms, Individuals, and Public Officials. Time Certifi 

cates of Deposits bearing interest at three per cent. 










'-^ 












SAFE DEPOSIT FOR SILVER AND VALUABLES AT SMALL COST 

Saving Fund Department open during Banking Hours. Three per cent 

interest allowed on Saving Fund Deposits 

HENRY T. KENT, President. J. MILTON LUTZ, Vice President. 

E. E. BARRY. Cashier. 

DIRECTORS 

Henry T. Kent, J. Milton Lutz, H. H. Haines. George T. Wadas 

Nelson Kershaw, John Wolfenden, W.Frank English, Frederic Schoff, 

William H Jones, David M. Taylor, Charles P. Doane. 

Safe Deposit Boxes in Burglar Proof Vaults, $2.00 per Year. 



Do You Live in Lansdowne? 

Well, you ought to be a BOOSTER 

for the Borough, simply on 

General Principles 

We are boosting for profit^ it's true. But 
we're doing it right, and we're going to be 
proud of that fifty acres improving at 
Marshall Road and Lansdowne Avenue. 
So are you. 

You may join in the profits if you care to. 
It's a new, snappy, breezy way of handling 
Real Estate. 

The Wayne Title and Trust Co. 

TRUSTEES 
Lansdowne Land Syndicate 

5013 PINE STREET, PHILA., PA. 

or on the property, cor. Lansdowne Avenue and 
Marshall Road, Lansdowne, Pa. 



^BOROUGH FLASHLIGHTS^ 



PARAGRAPHIC PICTURiNGS OF LANSDOWNE 



Application for borough incorporation was made by Isaac Johnson, Esq., 
Solicitor, March 6, 1893. 

The first directory of the Borough of vLansdowne was worlced up in 1900 
and issued for the year 1901 by Henry S. Barker, and each succeeding year 
Mr. Barlcer issued a revised directory, except for the year 1902. 

1. The borough of Lansdowne was incorporated June 7, 1893. 

2. Territorially Lansdowne is chronologically viewed, synonymous with 
"V^^illiam Fern's time, havirg teen 'a part of Upper Evarby Township, form- 
erly Darby, which was settled in the early stages of the formation of the 
forma<-ion of the proprietary government of Penn. 

At tne time of its incorporation the Borough assumed as its proportion 
of the indebtedness of Upper Darby Township the sum of $55,000.00, not to 
mention the necessarily heavy expenditures entailed in meeting the immed- 
iate deroands of early corporation and administrative requirements. 

3. Lansdowne is situated in Delaware County, six and four-tenths mMes 
from the City Hall. Philadelphia, on the Central Division of the Philadel- 
phia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad, a. member of the Lines of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad System East of Pittsburgh and Erie. Pa., with 48 
trains daily, the average running time being twelve minutes for express 
trains and twenty minutes for accomodation trains: the following rates of 
fare obtaining .<?ingle or one-way fare, 16 cents, excursion or round-trip. 26 
cents, and monthly commutation, S4.65. The Borough is situated in tbo ep st- 
ern section of the county at an elevation on th^^ average of about 150 feet 
above mean tide, the entire Borough being rtractically tributarv to the water 
shed of Darby Creek, which flows along- thf^ south-western border. 

4. Fxistine- trolley transportation facilities enable roady access to all 
parts of Philadelphia". Delaware, Chester. Montgomerv Counties and con- 
tiguous localities. For some time past wpII directed efforts have been made 
to substantially increase local "ra.pid transit" transportation and all sip-ns 
noint at this writing to the early reali7a,tion of these plans. The cars of the 
Philadel-ohia & Delaware Countv Electric Railway Comoanv traverse Balti- 
more avenue for the full lens-th of the Borough, east and west, their ter- 
minus being at Angora, on Cobbs' Creek, on the east, wher^" the cars of the 
Philadelphia Papid Transit Companv may be tak^n into Philadelphia, the 
running time from Lansdowne to the City being about thirty-five minutes, 
and at Media, the county seat of Delaware County, on the west, where con- 
nection is made with cars of which pass through some of the most beautiful 
rural soener^' ever made the subiect of artistic br^sh or dream. A branch of 
the Philadelphia. Morton and Swarthmore Electric Railway is onerat'^ i be- 
tween Lansdowno and Darby, where cars may be tak/^n for Chester. Media, 
and nuucerous other points. Just beyond the Borough's northc>rn limits, on 
T.ansdowne avenue, is the Lansdowne Avenue Station of thp Fhil^rt-^l'^h-'a <^ 
Parrptffnrd Eioctrio Railway, where rars mav b*^ taken at frequent intervals 
for Philadelphia via 6.''>d and Market streets terminaii of tn^ Pnilad^ipnia 
Rapid Transit Company, the ride being made via Elevated and Subway 



LANBDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



lines. A' this latter terminal may also be taken, the ca.rs of the Philadelphia 
& Western Electric Railroad, which traverses the fairest sections of nearoy 
counties. 

5. Tne topog-raphical characteristics of the Borough are particularly at- 
tractive, ofiering- a pleasing succession of hills richly clad with monarchs of 
the forest, dales invested with a wealth of landscape loveliness, and sinuous 
streams golden in the sunlight and silvery neath moonbeam caresses; a 
plentitude of noble shade trees line the principal thoroughfares; and withal 
there is ever present the subable atmosphere of suburban retiracw far re 
moved from the madding- crowd and noise and confusion of the large muni- 
cipality. Rural beauties and .sequestration invest the locality with all the 
seductive and elevating attributes so dear to the poetic mind and the amily 
in quest of reposefui and healthful rest and recreation, the scenic entourage 
being comparable with the famed charms of more noted localities both at 
home and abroad. 

6. The improvements consist of a high class of suburban homes, mostly 
detached, and tastefully laid out on liberal ground areas. There are about 
twenty-two (22) miles of avenue, seventeen (17) miles of which are, at the 
present time, pavd with telford or macadam. 

7. There are about ten (10) miles of improved sidewalks in the Borough, 
consisting for the most part of pranolithic construction. 

8. The Borough has nine (9) miles of sewers which cost approximately 
$E5,CC0, and at the present time the outlet is into Darby Creek at a point in 
Darby Borough almost one mile below tidei water. The sewer varies in 
sizes from six (6) inches to twenty-four (24) inches, and is intended to drain 
the sewage from tne houses, and not to include the storm water which is 
tak^n care of, generally, by streams which traverse the Borough at several 
points. 

9. During the current year, 1908, about 10,000 feet of blwe stone curb and 
vitrified block gutters were constructed, together, with about one mile of 
re-surfacing, on Lansdowne avenue (from Baltimore to Stewart avenues) 
and Wycombe avenue ( from Baltimore avenue to junction of Union and 
Wrcombe avenues). 

10. A model volunteer fire department, the Lansdowne Fire Company, 
with a membership drawn from the citizenship at large and including many 
of the most prominent townsmen, affords adequate protection against loss 
by fire. 

11. A day and night police force patrols every qua.rter of the borough 
throughout the entire day. and keeps a constant surveillance on all matters 
related to full police duties. 

12. The water supply, furnished by the Springfield Consolidated Water 
Company, is up to the most exacting requirements, the water being drawn 
from springs and enjoying widespread fame for its purity and healthfulness. 

13. Religious worship is splendidly provided for, the following denom- 
inations, with beautiful church edifices, being represented within the bor- 
ough, viz: The Lansdowne First Presbyterian Church. Rev. William Boyd, 
Rastor; the Lansdowne Baptist Church, Rev. Thomas Bird, Pastor; the 
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Rev. Crosswell McBee, Rector; the 
Lansdowne Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. J. R. T. Gray. Pastor; the 
Orthodox Friends' Meeting; the Hicksite Friends' Meeting; St. Philomena's 
Roman Catholic Church. Rev. Francis J. Markee, Rector, and Rev. W. 1. 
Lallou. /.ssistant Rector; there being also two Afro-American Churches, 
one south and the other north of the railroad. The churches are all central- 
ly located. 

14. The educational a.dvantag-es of the Borough are especiallly attractive 
These include the Public School system, Prof. Walter L. Philips. Principal, 
Which stands on an equal footing with any Other in the State of Pennsvi- 
vania, being splendidly housed, thoroughly equipped with school fixtures 
and supplies, and ably conducted by a corps of teachers specially selected 
for their demonstrated fitness; other schools are St. Philomena's Parchial 
School, which has already won deservedly high praise for all-around educa- 
tional work; the Friends' School; the Maplewood School, Miss Alden, Prin- 



LAXSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



cipal; not to mention several preparatory schools conducted by educators 
of established ability and success. 

The Social, Athletic and Club life of the community are provided for by 
numerous societies and organizations, among the more prominent of which 
may be mentioned the Lansdowne Country Club, the Twentieth Century 
Club, the Natural History Club, the Lansdowne Republican Club, the Union 
Athletic Association, the Knights o Columbus, the Lansdowne Civic Associa- 
tion, the Lansdowne Minstrel Troupe; the Church Brotherhoods. 

15. A local banking institution, the Lansdowne and Uarby Trust and 
Saving Company, afiords ample banking facilities. 

16. Ihe Lansdowne Building and Loan Association has contricutert 
largely toward the physical development of the Borough, and ranks as one 
of the strongest building associations in the State. 

17. Philadelphia merchants have free delivery to all parts of tne Bor- 
ougn. 

18. The Lansdowne Storage Wa.rehouse is a grea. convenience to resi- 
dents desiring storage acilities for household goods and other personal ef- 

19. Two liverymen, Richardson Shoemaker, proprietor of the Lansdowne 
Stables, and R. James Robinson, proprietor of the Villa Stables, are well 
equipped to furnish teams for carriage or horseback rides, or for hauling. 

20 P'or social and other forms of entertainment there are the BarKor 
Buildinp,. the Borough Hall, and St. Philomena's Hall. 

21. Borough growth has been of the really phenomenal type. In the 
eighties, before incorporation, the territory, then a village, represented sn 
assessed valuation of about $100,000.00. One year after incorporation, in 1894, 
the valuation had reached the handsome sum of $1,257, 873, with a bordusrh 
tax of 41/2 mills on the dollar and a sinking fund tax of 2 mills, while in 1908 
the assessed valuation stands at the splendid sum of $3,148,875, with a bor- 
ough tax of 5 mills and a sinking fund tax of ZVz mills. 

22. The population has kept pace with the physical development of Ihe 
borough having increase from upwards of 200 in the eighties to approxi- 
mately 4,500 in 1908. 

Exceptional local and long-distance telephone ser^^ice is provided by the 
Bell Telephone Company, which has thoroughly equipped exchang-e quarters 
in the Davis Building, at the corner of Lansdowne and Baltimore avenues. 

The Suburban Gas Company of Philadelphia has a large clientage in 
the borough. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



PLAN OF LANSDOWNE 




LANSDOAYXE PAST AND PRESENT 



LANSOOWNE HIGHWAYS. 



Austin, W. from Union, between Nyack and Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Baltimore, iD. and W. from Lansoowne. 

iinrt.am, K. fiom Wycombe, S. of Nyack. 

Berkley, ^^ . from Uwtn, abo\e ijrecn'A cod. 

Drexei, VV. from Lansaowne, seccna avenue from Greenwood. 

Dudley, E. from Lansdowne, second avenue S. of Pennsylvania R. R. 

Edenheld (N. Maple), W. from Wycombe, between Poweiton avenue and 
Marshall Road. 

Elbeion, from JNyack to Railroad, E. of Lansdowne. 

Essex, E. and W. from Lansdowne, above Greenwood. 

Fail view, E. from Lanscowne, fourth avenue below Railroad. 

Greenwood, (formerly Blackberry Lane), E. and W. from Lansdowne, fourth 
avenue N. of Baltimore. 

Highland, (formerly ^jd^l-oh's Avenue), N. and S. from Baltimore, lirst ave- 
nue E. of Lansdowne. 

La Crosse, (formerly hum.mit Avenue), E. from Lansdowne and W. from 
Owen; N. of Baltimore. 

Lansdowne, (Darby and Radnor Road), N. and S. from Baltimore. 

Madison E. from Lansdowne to Highland, first aveniie above Railroad. 

Marshall Road, E. and W. from Lansdowne; northern boundry lino of 
Borough. 

Maple, L. from Railroad, N. from Baltimore. 

McKinley, E. from Wycombe to Union, above Stewart. 

Nyack, E. from Lansdowne, below Railroad. 

Owen, N. from Baltimore, first avenus W. of Lansdowne. 

Penncck Terrace, W. from Lansdowne, near Linden. , 

Plumstead, W. from Wycombe belcw Marshall Hoad, and W. from Lans- 
downe above Drexei. 

Powelton, W. from Wycombe, between Wycombe and Wildwood. 

Price, E. from Highland, between Stewart and Greenwood. 

Rigby, N. from Baltimore, third avenue E. from Lansdowne. 

Runnymede, N. from Baltimore, second avenue W. of Lansdowne. 

Schappet Terrace, S. from Railroad, between Nyack and Railroad. 

Scottdale. (Matthew Hollow Road), second avenue N. of Baltimore. 

Shadeland. N. from bridge over Darby Cr^fk at BurmnL 

Stewart, E. and "W. from Lansdowne, third avenue N. of Baltimore. 

Stratford, E. and W. from Lansdowne, second avenue N. of Baltimore. 

TTnion, N- and S. from Baltimore, fourth avenue, E. of Lansdowne. 

Windermere, (formerly) Waverley), third avenue W. of La.nsdowne. 

Wycombe, (Kenny's Lane), N. and S. from Baltimore, second avenue E. of 

Lansdowne. 

First, N from Essex (Johnson), Lansdowne Highlands. 

Second, N. from Essex, Lansdowne Hig'hlands. 

Third, (See Highland). 

Fourth. N. from Essex, Lansdowne Highlands. 

Fifth, N. from Essex, Lansdowne Highlands. 

Sixth. N. from Essex. Lansdowne Highlands. 

E-West. W-West. S-South. N-North. L-Lower. 



10 LANSDOWXE 1»AST AND 1>HESENT 



LANSDOWNE-PAST AND PRESENT 

1875—1908 



To understand the Present we must study 

the productive influences of the Past. * 

In reviewing, though never so briefly, the past of Lansdowne, it is emin- 
ently proper that its relations with contiguous territory, which necessarily 
contributed to its growth, should be touched upon. To do this it will not 
be obligatory, for purposes of lucid and compdehensive statement, to delve 
too far into historical archives, hence the absence of occasion for mjention 
of the usual "transportation pets" of the ambitious historian, such as "the 
Conestoga wagon," "the pony express", "the 'bus line," "the stage coach," 
"the ferry line," and so on. A close study of local conditions, so far as 
they may be looked into through authoritative mediums, unavoidably in- 
ducesthe conclusion, that the great and greatest factors in the development 
of Lansdowne were the railroads centering in, running through, and pass- 
ing near the local boundaries. In a. word, long before the name "Lans- 
downe" was thought of in connection with the place, the steel rails had 
been laid in and the "iron horse snorted" through local territory, providing 
from the start the "sinews of war" that have wrought the beautiful and 
progressive municipality now the pride and boast of its citizens. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PREJ^EXT 



11 



PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD HAS A CLAIM ON LANSDOWNE 




To the Pennsj'lvania Railroad Company, 
as the parent operating, owning or leasing com- 
pany, must be given due meed of credit for 
the borough's genesis, its rapid and healthy 
rise, and the splendid advantages and develop- 
ment evidenced in the Lansdowne of to-day. 



Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore 
Railroad. 

(Now the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washing- 
ton Railroad, by merger and consolidation! 
of November 1. 1902) 



"William H. Barker 

First Chief Burgess 

of Lansdowne. 



The Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore 
Railroad Company, (the ultimate owing, operat- 
ing and leasing company of the several rail- 
road companies that played an important part 
in the rise and expansion of the locality now 
known as Lansoowne), was a consoiidatc-a 
company organized vender the laws ot tbe 
States of Pennsylva.nia, Delaware and Mary- 
land, and was formed by merger dated March 
1S77. The Philadelphia & Delaware County Railroad company, cn-^rtered by 
Act of the State of Pennsylvania of April 2, 1831, was the oldest member of 
the merger. The Philadelphia. AVilmington & Baltimore Raih^oad Company, 
which was a party to the merger, was organized February 6, 18:3, by the 
consolidation, under Act of Delaware of February 4. 1833. of Maryland of 
January 20, 1838, and of Pennsylvania of December 19, 1837. The first pas- 
senger ststion in Philadelphia was located at the corner of Eleventh and 
Market streets where the Bingham House now stands. It was started in 
the spring of 1842 and put into use during the summer of 1843. Horse 
power was employed to haul trains to and from it, and the inconvenience 
and deplay consequent upon this manner of service induced the Company 
to purchase a site at Broad and Prme streets (Washngton avenue) for a 
new station in connection with which steam power service could be used. 
The operation was begun September 30, 1851, and the station finished and 
put into use May 17, 1852. Lansdowne has many citizens who can recall the 
"old Broad and Prime Street Depot." 

Another and still more direct factor in local transportation facilities 
will now be offered, namely, the 



West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad. 



On October 15, 1881, the West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad Company, 
which \\as chartered in Pennsylvania, August 11, 1848. to build a. road from 
Philadelphia to West Chester, Pa., via Media, a distance of 27.4 miles, was 
consolid.'.ted with the Philadelphia & Baltimore Central Railroad Company. 
The West Chester & Philadelphia Road was opened as far as Media,, 14 
miles, in 1854, and operated a number of years between that point and 
Philadelohia only; but, on November 11, 1858, having been completed to 
West Chester, its first train passed over the road to that point then, hav- 



12 lansdovnxe past and present 



ing been drawn by the engine "Rockdale" the tram-conductor having been 
Edward Miller, who was born in West Chester, February 24, 1824. It is an 
easy step from this road to what is now known as the 



Central Division P. B. & W. R R. 



The road was originally a single track one with light rails, light engines, 
small cars, wooden bridges, and poor stations. The Central Division was 
formed September 1, 1881, with headquarters at 31st and Chestnut streets, 
Philadelphia, to which points all passeiager trains ran until January 1. 1881^. 
when th^y began running into and out of Broad Street Station, Philadelphia. 
On SepLember 4, 1882, the Superintendent office was removed to Media, Pa 
During ;.he changes at Broad Street Station— the remodelling of tracks, tho 
enlargement of station, and erection of the General Office building— the 
trains resumed' running to and from 31st and Chestnut streets, commencing 
on January 1, 1893. The first train to return to Broad Street StaLion, went 
in Marcn 27, 1893, and from then until September 11, 1893, additional trains 
returned from time to time, all trains having returned on that date. 



Philadelphia and Delaware County Railroad. 



The Philadelphia & Delaware Count Railroad, extending from Fernwood 
Pa., 5.5 miles from Philadelphia, to Newtown qSuare, Pa., a distance of 9V2 
miles, y^as organized April 2, 1890, and opened January 2, 1894, traffic and 
travel orer the line having been started about July 1, 1894. The road pene- 
trates the most fertile portion of Delaware County, and opened up to su- 
burban settlement a most picturesque and healthful section. 



*LANSDOWNE." 

HOW LANSDOWNE OBTAINED ITS NAME. 



Probably not more than a corporal's guard of the present residents of 
Lansdowne can recall the time when the place was known as "Darby Road 
Station," and to most of them it will no doubt be a revelation to learn that 
it was ever known by any other than its present familiar title. It was 
so named, however, in the summer of 1875, when Mr. Richard Griffith mov- 
ed from Philadelphia to a home he had erected for himself on the plot of 
ground east of Kenney's Lane extending from Nyack avenue to the rail- 
road, thus adding another to the few scattered residences then exislting in 
the vicinity. In having furniture, etc., sent out for his new home, Mr. Grif- 
fith was very much annoyed by constaat errors in the delivc^ry of his goods 
to Darby station on P. W. & B. R. R., due to the similarity of names of 
the two stations, and tried to interest other residents in an effort to have 
the name changed. Not meeting with the encouragement he had expected, 
he decided to make an individual attempt to see what he could do by a per- 
sonal application to Col. Thos. A. Scott, who was then President of the 
Pennsylvania R. R. Co., having his country home just across Darby Creek. 
Aside from the confusion incident to the similarity of names, Mr. Griffith 
contended that the place would not develop with such a name as "Darby 
Road Station." Col. Scott, after listening pleasantly to the reasons present- 
ed, said- "Well what do you want to call it?" Mr." Griffith submitted a list 



LA^^SDOA^•^E past and pki^sent i:^ 



of names, headed with "Scotland" and including- "Lansdowne." Col. Scott 
objected to the lirst and Mr. Griffith expressed a preference for "l^ans- 
down^". whereupon the Colonel replied, "Well, if you like that, call it that," 
and suggested that he see Mr. Smith, the Superintendent of the road about 
the matter; but Mr. Smith not seeming to talce kindly to the change, Mr. 
Griffith, not to be balked in his undertakmg, decided to "take the bull by 
the horns" and immediately ordered a suitable sign with the name "Lans- 
downe" in gilt script letters on a black ground, and had it delivered at his 
home, and at night had his colored man carry the sign and a ladder to the 
station, he following with a hatchet and nails, and fastened the sign just 
above the old name, paying the entire cost from his own pocket. When he 
stopped at Superintendent Smith's office, the next morning and announced 
what had been done, that gentleman resented the action as an unwarranted 
assumption of authority, and wanted to know what business he had to put 
a sign up at the station. Mr. Griffith replied that Col. Scott had told him 
to go ahead, so he had done so, and would be obliged to him if he would 
issue the necessary instructions as to the change of name, which evidently 
was done as the same sign remained in place for some years. Mr. Griffith 
lived to see the early development of this beautiful village of homes, that 
owes its name to his energy a.nd perseverance. 



THE FIRST RAILROAD STATION. 



Mr. Charles S. Price, a highly esteemed citizen, recently sketched the 
early Lansdowne (then Darby Road) Railroad Station in the following brief 
but com.prehensive manner: Previous to 1868 the station stood on the west 
side of L-ansdowne avenue where the freight station now stands. It was 
only a platform and small shed. In ISfT the Railroad Company tried for 
nearly a year to buy the property back of the then station where the L.evis 
coal yard now is. Being unable to come to terms with Mrs. Davis, they 
bought the property where the station now stands from the Kenney Estate, 
and erected the frame station house M^hich was finished in the spring ofl8f8. 
The station contained a cellar for coal on one side of the stairway to the 
waiting-room from the platform, and on the other side was a room with 
lockers c.nd closets for the use of patrons of the road, where could be kept 
umbrellas, overshoes, etc. The first floor was used as a station office and 
living quarters, the second floor and the attic being devoted exclusively to 
living qtiarters. The tract was a triangvilar one which had been cut oft 
from the Kenney place by the Railroad. Mr. Price's father and the Rail- 
road CoTipany traded land to square up the tract and make it more avail- 
abltt for railroad purposes. 



14 



LAXSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



LANSDOWNE'S BUSINESS CENTRE TWENTY 
YEARS AGO. 

Early Conditions on East Side of Lansdowno Avenue North of the 
Railroad Bridge. 



The block of ground bounded by Lansdowne, Highland and Madison ave- 
nues and the Railroad was in the year 1888 occupied, for the most part, as a 
nursery by Caspar Pennock, the owner, who in the same year and the 

year followins?- rented to diiferent 
persons small spaces of g^round 
on Lansdowne avenue upon whi'-h 
the tenants erected tneir own 
buildings, mostly of frame con- 
struction and small in size. One 
of these buildings, at the corner 
of Lansdowne avenue and the 
Railroad, where the inclined 
walk now leads from the sta- 
tion platform to the avenue, was 
occupied as an ofRce by the 
Lansdowne Heights Land Com- 
pany, which was at the time re- 
presented locally by John W. 
Gibson, Jr., part of the build- 
ing- being also occupied by 
Daniel D. Mullin as a plumbing 
shop. The next building was 
occupied by William Saunders 
as a builder's ofRce. The third 
structure was used as a barber 
shop by Charles Bropny. In the 
fourth building' M-'.s>. Louisa 
Grabau conducted a notion store. 
On December 18, 1890, the entire 
row of buildings was destroyed 
by fire. A short time afterward 
Mr.Pennock began the erection of 
the present Post Office Buildiiijr, 
which was completed for occup- 
ancy Augrust 1, 1891. The first 
tenants in the new building 
were as follows: On the Rail- 
road front, Charles Levis, real 
estate; the Lansdowne Heights 
Company, (John TV. Gibson, 
agent.) building lots, a.nd George H. Robbins, harness maker. Rear of the 
building, S. Fredericks, barber shop, and Charles McLaughlin, shoe shop, 
Lansdowne avenue front, W". H. Yocum & Son, grocers; Charles W. Mer- 
kle, cigars, and Mrs. Louisa Grabau, dry goods and shoes. The block 
bounded by Lansdowne, Baltimore, and Madison avenues and twenty-foot 
alley about one hundred and twenty feet east of Lansdowne avenue, con- 
tained l>ut one building, at the southeast corner of l^ansdowne and Balti- 
more avenues, (now occupied by the Knights of Columbus, on East Balti- 
more avenvie.) known in those days as Brennan's Drug Store. 'J'his build- 
ing was erected on the site formerly occupied by a small frame dwelling 
known as the "toll-gate house," which is still standing and tenanted, be- 



> 






^^M 


j^^Bfcjiniiiii iiiiiiiir"iHP^i"" f 


iim 




irimk^^< 


^ ■ 



Homer C. Stewart 
Prominent in Lansdowne' s Early 
Development. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 15 



ing locaLed en Church street near Kellj^ville Church. The Brennaai JJrug 
Store iD^^opeTty fronted atout 120 feet on Baltimore avenue and south on 
L,ansdownt avenue to the present building- of William H. Worrell, the re- 
maining lots southward to Madison avenue being devoted to tennis courts, 
from v;hich a fine view of Lansdowne avenue was afforded at the residence 
of Caspar Pennock, now occupied by David Muncer. in the rear of the Pen- 
nock lieme stood the water-tank house which was the origin of the L,ans- 
downe AVater Company and its successor the present JSpringheld Consoli- 
dated Water Company, of which mention will be found elsewhere in this 
publication. Resuming the account of the block on Lansdowne avenue ex- 
tending from Madison avenue to the confectionery establishment of George 
N. Storch, 105 feet front, Edward F. Pearson purchased from Mr. Pennock 
property at the corner of Madison avenue with a frontage of 25 feet, M-^. AVil- 
liam H. Worrell purchased 30 feet, and later William ShafCner bought the 
remain-ng GO feet and erected thereon the building now occupied by tne well 
known grocers Beatty Bros. Mr. Pearson paid iSlOO per front foot and the 
other purchasers ?80., about 1^:91; this land was valued at $300 for lots with 
a fifty foot frontage in 1888, or $6 a front foot; if vacant today they would 
sell for $300 per front foot. The Pearson building was erected by William 
Saunders, the Shaffner building by R. K. Ingram & Bro., and the Worrell 
structure was moved from Fernwood, having been previously used in that 
nearby suburb as a public school building and later as a church, and was 
bought by the later Homer C. Stewart by whom it was sold to Mr. Worrell 
at the ime of its removal from Fernwood by the veteran house mover, Mr. 
Hancock, of Darby, Pa. The business of the Brennan Drug Store was sold 
to Dr. William E. Hinkson, who conducted the business for some time, re- 
tiring after the structure had been removed by its new owner, the late 
Henry C. Stazell, to its present location, the present quarters of De L-a 
Salle Council, Knights of Columbus, on the south side of East Baltimore 
avenue, ad.ioining the Borough Building, in the winter of 1899 and 1900. Wil- 
liam Saunders erected the row of stores now occupied by Karry M. Davis, 
pharmacy, MacDonnel & Co., dry-goods and notions, Edwin B. Dewis, reai 
estate, and George N. Storch, confectionery. A button-ball tree of immense 
girth and heighth, with enormous limbs, stood at the southeast corner of 
Lansdowne and Madison avenue, and this tree Mr. Pennock had cut down in 
the fall of 1S91, the great stump, too bulky for removal, was undermined 
and buried in a deep trench far below the present sidewalk in front of Mrs. 
Grabau"s store, the work being done by Frank Cuft, a colored man of gig- 
antic stature, who now resides near Darby, Pa. 

In 1883 there were on this side of Lansdowne avenue between the rail- 
road bridge and Marshall Road, the northern boundary line of the present 
borough, only two buildings. One of these was a toll-gate house on Balti- 
more avenue where now stands the Davis and Jessup pharmacy, and, at a 
long interval, the present residence of W. Albert Johnson near Marshall road. 
On the north side of Baltimore avenue, in the present limits of the borough, 
there were at this time only three buildings— the plaster-coated hnusp near 
Union avenne, built by T. Elwood Bartram; the ancient structure built with 
imported brick, corner of Baltimore and Owen avenues, in 1732, said to have 
been occupied during the war of Revolution by Washington and Lafayette, 
and known as the "Runnymede Club House," and the residence of Dr. De- 
Forest Williard near Windermere avenue, originally built by John B. Aus- 
tin, who used it as a country-seat. On the south side of Baltimore avenue 
stood three houses. The house formerly occupied as a residence by its 
owner, J. Wesley Harris, and enlarged bv him into "The Evergreen Lodge" 
a boarding house; the mansion of Ivan Fox, many squares distant, and the 
residence of the late Philip J. Welsh, 



IG LANSPOWNE TAST AND PRESENT 

Some Early Conditions on West Side of Lansdowne Avenue, North 
of the Railroad Bridge. 



The property known as the "Lansdowne Villa", originally built by T. 1^1- 
wood Bartram, was owned in 188S by the late William Mecouch, a Philadel- 
phia builder, and was occupied by Joseph Walker and wife, the latter being 
a daughter of Mr. Mecouch. Mr. Walker conducted a plumbing business. 
The house at that time was a two story and attic, g'able-roofed buiidmg. 
Upon Mr. Walker's vacation of the premises in 1891. Mr. Mecouch had tne 
house enlarged in the winter and early spring of 1892, adding to it the three 
story "French roof" addition, and in June o that year it wa,s ooened as a 
a first-class summer boarding house by James Mecouch, by whom it was 
operated for two years, when he was succeeded in business by a Mrs. Baker 
who died while conducting it. After her decease the business wa^ c-i 
up by P. W. Custeed, who moved to Reading, Pa., April 1, 1902, when Freder- 
ick Lang took possession, he having purchased the property in January of 
that year. During the summer of 1902 Mr. Lang sold to the Lansdowne and 
Darby Trust and Saving Fund Company the land now occupied by th'^ir 
banking house immediately adjoining- the railroad bridge. Mr. Lang carried 
on the baking business on the premises until April. 1906, when he retired, 
having- leased the property to R. James Robinson the present tenant, and 
selling the property later to Daniel D. Mullin, by whom it was conveyed to 
Thomas H. Cullinan the present owner. The next property was occuoied 
by Garrett H. Levis as a residence, which was fronted by a large, shady 
lawn now covered by the three stores occupied by respectively the tonsorial 
parlor of Frank Trommer, the plumbing establishment of Pharaoh, and the 
tailoring business of N. M. Talone. These stores were built by Daniel D. 
Mullin ater he bought the property from Mr. Levis. The next property, ex- 
tending to Baltimore avenue and along the latter to the line of propertv be- 
longing to Thomas P. Conard, was owned by the later Homer C. Stewart, 
who occupied the house on the corner. Mr. Stewart was in the real estate 
busine^JS, and his office a one story frame structure, stood in his door yard 
on Lansdowne avenue, about where McGonigle's oyster house now stands, 
on a bank about four feet above the sidewalk. About 1891 Mr. Stewart built 
the four stores on Lansdowne avenue, and occupied as a real estate otiice. 
until the time of his death in November, 1904, the one now used bv David 
J. Muncer as a plumbing shop. Mr. Stewart then, in 1891, sold to Richard- 
son Shoemaker the remainder of the property, the later having built a brick 
and frame stable in the rear of the stores, and this stable having been 
later destroyed, Mr. Shoemaker erected the handsome building-, for ware- 
housing and stabling- business, on Baltimore avenue which he now owns 
and conducts. In 1904 Mr. Shoemaker sold to Dr. John A. McKenna the 
house and incidental lot at the corner of Baltimore and Lansdowne ave- 
nues. 

In 1883, a quarter of a century ago, north of the railroad bridge, on the 
west Side of Lansdowne avenue (then the Darby and Radnor roadK stood 
the Bartram house, subseciuently the "Lansdowne Villa," above mentioned; 
next beyond was the house at the corner of Baltimore and Lansdowne 
avenues,' built by Mary Owen, for Stephen Pancoast, during- the year 1885, 
and now owned and occupied by Dr. McKenna, also hereina.fter announced; 
beyond this structiye was the Friends" Meeting House, and still furter on 
was the farm-house of W. Albert Johnson. 



Early Conditions South of the Railroad. 



That section of La.nsdowne formerly known as AustinvUle, or West 
Fernwood comprised in the early eighties, upwards of thirty houses, and a 



LANSDOWNE PAST AiXTD PRESENT 17 



tin-mill operated by W. Austin Obdyke & Co. In those days it was a tliriv- 
ing little village. Obdyke & Co. removed their plant to No. ^4 Broad street, 
i-hiladelphia, about 1887. Next to Austinville was located the home of a Mr. 
Selheimer, which embraced three acres of land, with a large residence in the 
centre, the same being now owned and occupied by John C. Schappett, who 
purchased the property from the heirs of the late Mr. Selheimer. On a part 
of this property were built the houses on what is known as Schappett Ter- 
race. The next property, extending to Wycombe avenue, (then Kenney's 
Lane) was owned by the late Richard C. Griffith, the originator of the 
name "Lansdowne," who was a member of the sect of Friends, and this 
property-, now occupiet. by the Ranna Kennels, is still owned by the Griffith 
Estate. The brick mill and warehouse on the west side of Wycombe ave- 
nue, between the railroad and Nyack avenue, was owned by Keeler, Jf'arley 
& Phipps, who conducted a "down quilt" factory. The frame warehouse and 
siding were used by "William Taylor as a feed warehouse and coal yard, he 
being succeeded in business by "Robert Black, who, in turn, gave place to 
Samuel L. Hibberd, by whom the business was carried on until the property 
passed into possession of the American Ice and Coal Company. 



LANSDOWNE HIGHLANDS. 



In the northeastern section of the borough is located the tract of land 
known as the "Lansdowne Highlands", which was formerly owned by 
Richard Plumstead, who conducted theron a farm, from 1842 until the time 
of his death, after which the place was owneo and occupied by Mary E. 
Plumstead who subsequently married the late Dr. Elwood Baker, who ran 
the farm and also attended to a large professional business. The property 
was sold to "The Highland Mutual Land Association in 1888 (Dr. and Mrs. 
Baker removing October 9 of that year to "Sunset View," built about this 
time bv Samuel B. Bartram, at the corner of Lansdowne and Fairview 
avenues, where they resided until the death of the Doctor on March 1, 
189", at the age of fifty-seven). Plumstead avenue was named in honor of 
the late Richard Plumstead. In 1892 the farm was split up into 8?9 building 
lots, the old Plumstead mansion being at the time occupied by William H. 
Ryan, by whom it was enlarged and modern improvements were introduced- 
Mr. Rvan was a member of the borough council, he was also a successful 
business man, and contributed in a substantial degree to borough improve- 
ment and general development. He was President and Manager of the 
Lansdowne Real Estate Company, and besides developing the tract under 
consideration, also gave it the name "Lansdowne Highlands." The Mansion 
was sold by Real Estate Agent John W. Gibson to W^. Frank Eno:lish. the 
present \iwner and occupant. September 21. 1905, Mr. Ryan's family having 
removed to Philadelphia. The original Plumstead mansion was erected in 
1761. and is the oldest building in T ansdowne excepting the Runnymede Club 
building mentioned elsewher herein. 



LANSDOWNE HEIGHTS LAND COMPANY. 



Twenty years ago that section of Lansdowne between Greenwood avenue 
and the Marshall Road and Lan.sdowne avenue, (then known as the Darby 
Road), and Shadeland avenue was considered "out in the country," there 
being only beven houses in the territory. These were No. 192 N. Lansdowne 
avenue, now occupied by Mr. Geissenger; the old "farm house," (still stand- 
ing), row No. [9 Drcxel avenue, and th^n occupied by Isaac Carr, who 
worked the Johnson farm for the owner, ^Villiam Albert Johnson-— this house 



18 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 

was reached by a lane which ran diagonally from Lansdowne avenue, north 
of the present Essex avenue, across the ground now owned by H. R. Burt 
and Robert Irwin, ana passed a point being- now Owen and Drexel avenues, 
(and when Drexel avenue was graded in 18!:9 by the Lansdowne Heights 
Land Company, they having purchased the Johnson farm and laid it out 
into lots, the soil from it was used in filling up the lane); the next house 
was a small stone dwelling occupied for many years by a man and wife 
who were mutes— this house is supposed to be over two hundred years old, 
and was located on the Jackson farm, which was also purchased by the L.and 
Company and turned into building lots along with the Johnson tract; in 
1889. J. Walter Carpenter, the present occupant of the premises, purchased 
the same from the Land Company and had it remodelled and enlarged, it 
being now No. 215 Berkley avenue; two large frame houses on the east side 
of Shadeland avenue, south of Drexel avenue, owned by the late Jr'hilip J. 
Walsh; and the residence of the late Charles Wagner, Esq., adjoining a 
small house, on the same side of Shadeland avenue, north of I3rexel avenue, 
a tenant house on the Jackson farm. These seven houses were the only 
ones standing in the territory named twenty years ago, with a population 
of possibly about 40 people. The first house erected upon ground sold by the 
Land Company is now known as No. 75 West Greenwood avenue; it was 
built by Elija^h Marshall for his sister, Mrs. De Negre, who still owns ana 
occupies the premises. This section of the Borough is no longer "out in the 
country," but has hundreds of inhabitants, miles of streets, sidewalks, 
sewers, water and gas mains, is also lighted by electricity, and is other- 
wise supplied with all the latest and best municipal improvements. It is 
considered one of the most promising sections of Lansdowne. 



WYCOMBE LAND COMPANY. 

OLD COUNTRY CLUB. 



Immediately adjoining the Plumstead property, and extending' from 
that p-:operty to Wycombe avenue, was the farm owned and occupied by 
Loren2,o D. Black, who vacated the premises about 1893, after selling the 
tract to what was known as the "Wycombe Land Company," of which 
John J. White and Henry S. Paul were the moving principals. Mf. Black 
had lived on the property for thirty-nine years. The old brick farm-house, 
standing at the corner of Wycombe and Essex aA^enues, was enlarged and 
used as a club bouse in the early nineties, having been vacated when the 
club, now known as the "Lansdowne Country Club," secured its prese.nt 
handsome and extensive quarters on south Lansdowne avenue. The Land 
Company, in 1893, divided the property into building- lots, numbering abouv 
201 lots, and these were duly planned and oftered for sale by John J. White, 
whose office was at 925 Chestnut street, Bhiladelphia. The lots raced on 
the following thoroughfares, viz: Marshall Road. Railroad Avenue, Eighth 
Avenue, Windsor Avenue, Sixth Avenue, Wildwood Avenue, Wycombe Ave- 
nue, Johnson Avenue, Wabash Avenue, Edenfl'eld Avenue, Blackbume Ave- 
nue, Midway Avenu and Plumstad Avenue. John J. White was a member 
of the Borough Council, and a lawyer of high standing, built his home, 
"Wycombe," in this section, the most erevated of the borough. Wycombe 
station, on the Philadelphia & Delaware County^ branch of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, being but a few hundred yards distant therefrom. From the 
porches surrounding the residence could be seen the tower of Philadelphia's 
City Hall, while there was also afforded a fine view up the valley of Nay- 
lor's Run. along which nestled many beautiful places, including that of 
the late Anthony J. Drexel, the elder Fallon, a former owner, having been 
at one time American eaunsel of the Queen, of Spain. Mr. White besides 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 11) 

being- one of the counsel of the Philadelphia & Delaware County Railroad, 
was largely instrumental in procuring' its contruction. He was heavily in- 
terested along- its line, not only in Lansdowne, where he owned some fifty 
acres of ground, but in Llanerch, some two miles further out on the West 
Chester Turpike and trolley, where he owned about one hundred and tifty 
acres of desirable ground. 

Ad,)oining the Black property, above outlined, on the south, was what 
was known as the "Haaisell property," occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Haaisell 
for many years. The house and four acres of ground were sold to C. E. 
Flutcher in 1905 and in that and the succeeding year were improved by the 
erection of twenty-eight two-story and attic twin suburban houses, which 
became known a,s the "Powelton District", the houses being built on 
Powelton and Marple (formerly Edenfield) avenues. The old Hansell farm- 
house is now a grocery store, conducted by C. E. Jackson & Co., who suc- 
ceeded Shields & Co., early in 1908, the latter firm having started the busi- 
early in 1907. Mrs. Hansell, while occupying the old farm-house, became 
famous, many years ago, for her "home-made bread," and from a small 
beginnnig ^rew the well known Hansen's Bakery now located at No. 0)25 
Market street. West Philadelphia, 



SKETCH OF BOROUGH LOAN ISSUES. 

Loan Issues of the Borough of Lansdowne have been as Follows. 



YEAR PURPOSE OF 3X)AN AMOUNT 

1893 Upper Darby Highway Bonds $55,200 

1896 Sewers 25,000 

1896 Sidewalks, $2,000; Highways, $8,000 10,000 

1898 ,. Highways 15,000 

1900 Sewers 15,000 

1903 Sidewalks, $1,GU0; Gutters, $2,000; Sewers, $4,000; Town Hall, $12,000 19,000 

1904 Highways 5,000 



Total $144,200 

SUMMARY OF LOAN PURPOSES. 
Sewers, $44,000. Sidewalks, $3,000. Gutters, $2,000. Town Hall, $12,000. High- 
ways, $28,000. Upper Darby Highways, $55,000. 

The total bonded indebtedness, $144,200, has been reduced to $124,200, by 
payments from the Sinking Fund, as of March 1, 1'908, on which date the 
cash balance of the Fund stood at $19,273.50 exclusive o estimated receipts 
placed at $3,413.28, 

HIGH^VAY EXPENDITURES. 
1905, $3,768.52. 1906, $4,677.93. 1907, Highways, $7,370.29. Sidewalks, $875.72; 
total, $8,246.01. 1908, $7,000 appropriated, of which $1,000 had been already 
expended. 



20 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



HISTORY OF BOROUGH TAX RATES. 



The followmg table showing the annual tax rate of the Borough of Lans- 
downe for Sinking Fund and Borough purposes will prove interesting and 
instructive; 



Year 



1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 
1901 
1902 
1903 
1904 
1905 
190R 
1907 
1908 



Borough 

Purposes 

Mills 

.,.A 1-2 

....4 1-2 

....5 

...A 1-2 

„..5 

5 

....5 

...A 

...A 1-t 

...A 1-6 

„..3 7-10 

....3 7-10 

..,A 

...A 1-2 

....5 



Interest and 
Sinking Fund: 
Mills: 
2 

2 

2 1-2 

2 3-4 

3 1-2 

3 1-2 

3 1-2 

4 1-2 

4 1-3 

4 1-3 

4 S-'IO 

4 8-10 

4 1-2 

4 

3 1-2 



Total 
Tax Rate 

Mills: 
.. 6 1-2 
. . 6 1-2 
. . 7 1-2 
.. 7 1-4 
. . 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
., 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
.. 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 
... 8 1-2 
. . 8 1-2 



SKETCH OF BOROUGH ASSESSMENTS, 

MARVELOUS INCREASE IN REALTY VALUES. 



It is not an unwan-anted stretch of imagination to announce that com- 
parative statistics show conclusively that Lansdowne property values have 
advanced with really marvelous rapidity as if impelled by the constant 
energy of financial wizardry. In exemplification of this statement the toi- 
lowLng figures are presented: In the 89's th? valuation of local property was 
scarcely $100,000. The accompanying tabulated data exhibit great strides: 

Increase Over 
Year Total Assessment Previous Year 

1894 $1,257,873 ,....., 

1902 1.97S,350 , $720,477 

ISD? ..,„ , 2.0:5,500 56.150 

1904 2.187,150 „.., , 151.650 

1905 , ,..,. 2.278,365 91.215 

1906 2.427.200 „..., 148.733 

1907 ...,^. 3,054,020 , 626 820 

1908 3,148,875 94,855 

$1,169,425 

The average annual increase for the first eight vears, from 1854 to 1902, 
was $90,059.62. 

The increase in assessment in 14 years was $1,891,002. 

The average annual increase for the last six years, 1902 to 1908^ was 
$194,904.16. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



21 



LANSDOWNE BOARD OF HEALTH. 



The Board of Health of Lansdowne was organized November 1, 1893, the 
President of Borough Council appointing- the fo. lowing- Oxticers: President, 
Dr. William D. Kennedy, J. A. MBartram, Jno. W. Davis, H. Grim, and 
C. H. Dix. Jno. W. Davis as eleoted as Secretary, and M. T. Vandevere as 
Health OfRcer. The duties and povvers oi! tha Board were deflned in an 
"Ordinance of the Burgess and Council of the Borough of Lansdowne, for 
the better preservation of the public health and to prevent the spread of 
communicable disease," passed in Ibyi, and baei on i:Ov\ers cmfirrei by Act 
of Assembly of April 3, 1S51, Article 1, P. L. 8J0 of the Laws of Pennsylvania. 
The present personel of the Board, 19C8 includes: President Dr. William D. 
Kennedy, C. E. Ebrey, Samuel F. Irwin, JolKn C. Roberts, and Wm. A. 
McEwen. John J. H. Phillips is secretary, and Thomas G. Janvier, Health 
OfRcer. 



THE FIRST BOROUGH POLITICAL BATTLE. 



The following reprint of a news item 
a month after Borough incorporation, w 
days, and will, also, no doubt prove inte 
citizens: The four tickets in the field 
BURGESS: 
Republican 
George M. Wagner 

Citizens' 
Wm. H. Barker, D. 

Democrat 

Wm. H. Barker, D. 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

Wm. H. Barker, D. 

COUNCIL: 

Republican 

Jas. Garrett 

TA . A. Johnson 

S. B. Brosius 

S. B. Cunnnigham 

A. H. Postel 

C. M. Wagner 

Citizens' 

Casper Pennock, Pro. 

H. C. Stewart. R. 

George W. Thrope, R. 

F. M. Longstreth, D. 

A. H. Po-stel, R. 

vVm H. Ryan, D. 

Democrat 

Caspar Pennock, Pro. 

H. C. Stewart, Rep. 

Geo. W. Thorpe, R. 

F. M. Longstreth. D. 

A. H. Postel, R. 

Wm. H. Ryan, D. 

Conserv. Local '"ovt. 

Jas. Garrett, R. 

W. A. Johnson, R. 

S. G. Brosius, R. 

F. M. Longstreth, D. 

S. B. Cunningham, R. 

Caspar Pennock, Pro. 



published June 20, 1898, a little over 
ill show how politics stood in those 
resting reaciing to many ot the hrst 
stood as follows: 

SCHOOL DIRECTORS: 

Rer»ublican 

I. P. Garrett 

M. T- Van d ever 

Jos. Fleming 

F. R. Fackler 

E. B. Lewis 

W. P. Freeborn 

Citizens' 

I. P. Garrett. R. 

Rebecca S. Conrad, Pro. 

Jas. P. Brepn. R. 

E. B. Lewis, R. 

W. F. English, R. 

Democrat 

I. P. Garrett. R 

Rebecca S. Conrad, Pro. 

Jas. P. Breen, R. 

E. B. T.ewip p 

W. F. English, R. 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

I. P. Garrett. R. 

E. V. Kane. Ind. Dem. 

Rebecca S. Conrad. Pro. 

E. R. Fackler. R. 

.Jo'=!. Fipm'ng. P. 

M. T. Vandever, R. 

TAX COLLECTOR & ASSESSOR 

Republican 

William Bartram 

Citizen.s' 

William Saunders, R. 

Democrat 

Henry Albertson. R. 

William Saunders, R. 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

William Bartram, R, 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



ASSISTANT ASSESSORS. 

Republican 

Henry Albertson 

S. B. Bartram 

Citizens' 

Henry Albertson, R. 

John S. Wilson, R. 

Democrat 

Henry Albertson, R. 

John S. Wilson, R. 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

Henry Albertson, R. 

S. E. Bartram, R. 

JUSTICE OF PEACE: 

Republican 
Charles Janvier 

Citizens' 
Charles Janvier 

Democrat 

Charles Janvier 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

Charles Janvier 



AUDITORS: 

Republican 

L. Marshall 

J. W. Davis 

H. B. Stiles 

Citizens' 

L. Marshall, R. 

Democrat 

L. Marshall, R. 

J. W. Davis, R. 

Thomas Hughes, D. 

Conserv. Local Govt. 

L. Marshall, R. 

J. W. Davis, R. 

H. B. Stiles, R. 

CONSTABLE: 

Republican 

Willia^n Re^-nenter 

Citizens' 

William Rementer, R. 

Democrat. 
William Rementer, R. 
Conserv. Local Govt. 
William Rementer, R. 



DARBY AND HAVERFORD ROAD. 



Att a Court held att Chester for ye County of Chester ye 3d day in ye 
1st Weeke of the 10th moneth 1687." (Dec. 6th, 1687.) 

"Ordered that ye Township of Darby finde out a Convenient Hig-h way 
from thence to ye Township of Hartford." 

"Ordered alsoe that High wayes be laid out by ye Grand Inquest or any 
five of them from Newtowne Marple and Spring-field to ye landing att Amos 
Land." 

"Att a Court held att Chester for ye County o Chester ye sixth day of 
ye 1st moneth 1687." (1688, N. S.) 

"A High way laid out by ye g-rand Jury and other neighbors betwixt 
Hartford and Darby upon ye 7th day of the twelfe moneth 1687, Beginning 
at Widdow Panthirs (Painter's) and from thence on ye head lyne betwixt 
ye said Widdows land and ye land of John Lewis from thence Crosse ye 
land of William Howell from thence acrosse ye land of Arthur Bruce from 
thence crosse ye land of Henry Lewis thence Entring the Town- 
ship of Darby " from thence Crosse ye land of Adam Roads thence 
crosse ye land of John Kirk then Crosse ye land of Mathew Gratton 
then crosse ye land of Joshua ffirme then crosse ye land of AVilliam Garrett 
then Crosse ye land of Michael Blunstone then crosse ye land of George 
Wood then Crosse ye land of Robert Smith then Crosse ye land of Thomas 
Worth thence Coming vpon the land of Joshua ffirne soe downe ye Towne 
Street of Darby to ye Kings road and soe to ye Landing this High way to 
be sixty foote as need reouires. 

William Garrett Thomas Bradshaw 

Richard Parker Thomas ffox 

Edmond Cartledge 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



2'd 



SOME EARLY ENGINEERING FACTS, 




THIS ENGINEER CORPS SURVEYED AND LAID OUT LANSDOWNB 

BOROUGH. 

(Reading- from right to left: Thomas G. Janvier, Boroug-h Engineer; Henry 
A. Burkholder and Oscar Evans, assistants.) 

This survey was commenced in February, 1893, embraced about 640 acres 
and 23 miles of streets. 

First boroug-h survey -was started in February, 1893. 

Territory embraced by first borough survey covered about 640 acres. 

First borough survey embraced about 23 miles of streets. 

First sewer was laid on Lansdowne avenue, in April and May, 1892. 

First cement sidewalk was laid on Lansdowne avenue in July, 1895. 

First roadway construction was in 1888 and 1889, previous to borough 
incorporation, rom Darby to Garrettford Road, representing Lansdowne 
avenue, or Darby and Radnor Road. The work was the result of efforts of 
the Lansdowne Drive Improvemtnt Comp. ny, com_os:d cf such wellknown 
and prominent men as Messrs. A. J. Drexel, Joel J. Baily, Richard i. Cook 
and others. The cost of construction was about $10,000 per mile, and was 
met by private subscription. 

Length of sewer system, main and branch, laid by the first borough 
engineers was 8 miles,' and the cost approximated $30,000. 



24 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



HISTORY OF BOROUGH OFFICIALS CHRONO- 
LOGICALLY OFFERED. 




BOROUGH BUILDING, LANSDOWNE. 
Headquarters Lansdowne Fire Company. 

June 7, 1893. 
The Borough of Lansdowne was incoporated June 7, 1893. 

July 9, 1893: 
The first Borough Council was organized in the School House, with the 
following personnel, viz:— W. Albert Johnson, Frank M. Longstreth, S. B. 
Cunningham, Caspar Pennock, S. G. Brosius, and A. H. Postel. 
Chief Burgess, William H. Barker. 
President of Council, W. Albert Johnson. 
Temporary Secretary, A. H. Postel. 
Borough Solicitor, L. L. Smith. 

(July 11, 1S93: 
H. L. Warren elected Secretary. 
C. B. Shoemaker elected Treasurer. 

August 9, 1893: 
Borough borrowed on Note of Caspar Pennock, drawn to order of VV. 
Albert Johnson and C. B. Shoemaker, $4Q0 from the Darbv, Pa., Bank at 
6 per cent, interest. 



LANSDOWNE TAST AND TUESENT 



The Provident Life Life and Trust Company, of Philadelphia, Pa., was 
the depository of the first Borough funds. 

Thomas G. Janvier elected Borough Surveyor. 

February, 1894: 
James Garrett elected to Council . 
William Bartram elected Tax Collector. 

February, 1895: 
Francis G. Taylor, G. W. Thorp, B. Hallowell, Jr., J. A. Bartram, W. H. 
Clawson, and S. G. Brosius elected to Council. 

July, 1896; 
Edwin B. Lewis appointed Tax Collector by the Court to fill the un- 
expired term of William Bartram,. 

February, 1897: 
Homer C. Stewart elected to Council. 

J. J. White elected to Council in place of W. Frank English, 
Chief Burg-ess, W. Frank English. 
President of Council, Homer C. Stewart. 
Borough Solicitor, ir.ank M. Cody. 
Tax Collector, Edwin B. Lewis. 

March, 1898: 
Joseph S. Vanzandt and John M. Ridings and William H. Ryan entered 
Council. 

President of Council, Francis G. Taylor. 

1899: 
Frank T. Davis, Sr., C. Kirby, J. M. Andrew.s, and W. H. Clawson 
elected to Council. 

President of Council, John M. Ridings. 
Borough Solicitor, Fred Taylor Pusey. 
Highway Commissioner, Benj. Walters. 

1900: 
John Jackson elected to Council. 
Chief Burg-ess, Frank T. Davis, Sr. 
President of Council, John M. Riding's. 
Borough Solicitor, L. L. Smith, on 21st ballot. 
Building Inspector. William Saunders. 
Highway Commissioner, Wm. C. Smith. 

1901 : 
C. Wilfred Conard elected to Council. 

W. H. Barker was appointed March 4, 1301, to All the place of W. H, 
Clawson, 

1902: 
John W. Davis, Leiinder Marshall, and Edward F. Pearson els-cted 
to Council 

President of Council, Edward F. Pearson, 
Borough Treasurer, Walter C. Powell. 
Borough Surv'eyor, R. P. Green. 

1903: 
John A. McKenna elected to Council. 
Borough Solicitor, Francis G. Taylor, 
Building Inspector, James A. Magruire. 

September 9, 1903: 
John W. Da-yis appointed Secretary of Borough Council vice H. L. War- 
ren, resigned. 

Edwin B. Lewis a,ppointed architect of the Boroug-h Town Hall. Reynolds 
and Caldwell, contractors. 

October 9. 1903: 
Robert Crawford elected to Council to fill the unexpired term of John 
W. Davis. 

1904: 
C. H. Eppelsheimer elected to Council. 
E. D. Salter, Building In.spector, appointed in 1903. 



20 LAXSDOWXE PAST AND l^KESEXT 



1905: 
William H. Hirst, Jno. C. Hines, and S. John Pyle entered Council. 

1906: 
W. Frank Eng-lish elected to Council. 
Chief Burgess, Robert Crawford. 
Borough Solicitor, Frank M. Cody. 
Fire Marshall, Louis J. Eagle. 

19G7: 
Claude A. Simpler and John Jackson elected to Council. 
Borough Surveyor, A. F. Damon. 
Highway Commissioner, Samuel L. Hibberd. 

1908: 
A. Culver Boyd, ^Villiam C. Shuster, Jr., and Harry M. Davis elected 
to Council. 

Borough Solicitor, Fred Taylor Pusey. 
Borough Surveyor, A. F. Damon. 
Building nspector, Cornelius McCullough. 
Highway Commissioner, William C. Smith. 

February 16, 1909: 
Benjamin W. Carskaddon elected Chief Burgess. 
William A. McEwen elected to Council. • 



BOROUGH OFFICERS IN 1908. 



Chief Burg-ess, Capt. Robert Crawford. 

Members or council, Clauae A. simpler, John A. McKenna, John Jack- 
son, W. Frank English, A. v^ulver Boyd, William C. Shuster, Jr., and Harry 
M. Davis. 

President of Council, Claude A. Simpler. 

Secretary of Council, John ^V. Davis. 

Treasurer, W^alter C. Powell. 

Borough Solicitor, Fred Taylor Pusey. 

Borough Engineer, A. F. Damon, Jr. 

Reial Estate Assessor, John C. HiJbert. 

Tax Collector, Edwin B. Lewis. 

Building Inspector, Cornelius McCullough. 

Highway Commissioner, William C. Smith. 

Highway Inspectors, (Temporary), Arthur Moorshead and J. Park Steen. 

Justice of the Peace, Charles Janvier and Edward I-,. Donnelly. 

Constable, R. James Robinson. 



ANDERSON TRACT. 



(SEE ADV.) 

1'his beautiful traet of land about 22 acres, is distant 6 V2 miles from the 
City HaJl, Philadelphia, and, under building improvements now being stead- 
ily prosecuted by the owner, Mr. George W. Statzell, will erelong stand out 
as a splendid example of the ideal suburoan. residential spot of Delaware 
County. The following brief historic sketch of the tra.ct speaks volumes on 
local increase in real estate Volume^. 

April 2, 18-:9. \Yilliam Lincoln conveyed to Robert M. Smith 21 acres more 
or less, the cbhsideratibn being' $4, 850. This was what is now known as the 
Anderson Tract, beginhing- on the nortn side o Marshall Road and ex- 
tending along Lansdowne avenue to the Garrett Road. 

May 27, 1868, Robert M. Smith conveyed this property to Archibald Ah- 



LANSDOWXE I'AST AND I'KESEXT 



derson, the consideration being- $9,950, and the deed of conveyance was at- 
tached a $10 internal revenue stamp used to provide for liquida,tion of na- 
tional indebtedness incurred by the Civil \v ar. 

September >H, 1905, Robert Anderson and Mary Ann Anderson, executors 
of the Estate of Archibald Anderson, deceased, conveyed the property to 
Georg-e W. Statzell, the consideration being- $30,72^5. 



THE LOBB FARM. 



(THE JOHNSON TliACT.) 
The Lobb farm embraced over 100 acres in Upper Darby Township, now 
in the northern section of L,ansdowne Boroug^h. The first stone farm-house 
and residence of the family still stands on the west side of L-ansdowne av- 
nue. Mrs. "W^illiam Albert Johnson's great-g-randfather, Thomas Lobb, re- 
sided in the old dwelling-. The son, named Thomas, and his son John, Mrs. 
Johnson's father, lived in this hciuse. In 1858 John Lobb built the large 
house on the east side of the avenue, at the edge of the, Boroug-h. It is of 
stone, colored white, surrounded by a broad, well-kept lawn, trees and 
shrubbery lending a special charm to the grounds. John Lobb died in 1877, 
and the place is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. The farm around 
the mansion was known as "Thorough Plain." During the year 1908 up- 
wards of SO acres of the Johnson farm were sold o the Lansdowne Lead 
Syndicate and the McWater West Company, these parties cutting their ac- 
quisitions up into building lots, many of which have been sold and some 
already improved by the erection of fine residences. The east side of tha 
tract has curbs and gutters and cement pavement from Essex avenue up to 
the mansion g-rounds, one square south of Mershall Kof'd, and from L-an-^- 
dowiie avenue to First avenue, the latter thoroughfare having been opened 
northward from Essex avenue in December, 1908. On the south side of Es- 
sex avenue, between Lansdowne and First avenues six suburban houses 
were started bv W. C. Shuster, Jr., in December, 1908. 



PART OF ORIGINAL POWELL FARM. 



The propertv on which stands the row of houses bounded by Stewart, Mc- 
Ivinley, Union ' & Wycombe avenues was part or the original Foweil farm. Ths 
four acres passed into the possession of Nicholas Milloy, father of James 
Milloy, an old Borough resident, upwards of thirty years ago. Mr. Milloy 
conducted a dairy and tilled the soil until old age compelled him to retire 
from active pursuits. Shortly after his death the property was sold to a syn- 
dicate, and from them passed into the possession of Edgar T. Bishop, who 
began the building operation in the fall of IS98, and completing it the follow- 
ing spring. 



2S 



LAXSDOWXE PAi^T AND PRESENT 




THE BARKER BUILDING. 



The Barker Building', a,t the northwest corner of Baltimore and Lans- 
downe avenues, was erected by William H. Barker in 1893. Morgan Bunting 
was the architect. The building, a three-story one, is of local gray stone, 
With trimmings of India limestone, and is equpped with modern improve- 
ments. It fronts 150 feet on Lansdowne avenue and CO feet on Baltimore ave^ 
nue. Among the early occupants were the. St. John's Club, an audience hall, 
and builders, lawyers, a dressmaker, an artist, and a printer, on the second 
floor, and a hardware store, stove store, pnarmacy, the Lansdowne Water 
Company office, and the Borough Tax Collector's Office, on the first floor. 
Mr. Barker, who is engaged in the granite and marble business with offices 
in Philadelphia, was the first Burgess of Lansdowne BorOugh, and now re- 
sides in one of the most attractive homes in the Borough, at 117 North 
Lansdowne avenue. 



BLANCHPiERRE 



The home of Francis 0. Taylor, Esq., known a§ "Blanchpierre'* built 
on a two-and-one-half-acre lawn, at the corner of LaCrosse and Lansdowne 
avenues, was erected in 1S91, by Edgar T. Bishop, builder, of Lansdowne» 
on designs by Hazelhxirst & Huckel. The material is Avondale marble. 



LAN8D0WXE PAST AND PRESENT 



1*9 



RLNNYMEOE 



The 'old estttt'e on the Garrett Read, west t»f the Darby Tlt)ad, wa,s pur- 
chased of William V. Black by Christopher Fallon, Esq.^ of Philadelphia, 
in 1850, who constructed a stone mansion. The pine trees were broug-ht from 
Ireland. The name came from the old family seat of the Fallons in Rose- 
'common County, Ireland. Queen Christiana, of Spain, had made Mr. Fallon 
her lawyer, in this county, she owing- to government disturbances having 
thought of seeking refuge in the United States, and as Mr. Fallon built the 
house about that time, a rumor, that contniued for a generation, made the 
new house her property, and her proposed haven of Safety. This was, how- 
ever, an error. The Queen's hushand was the Duke of Rianzares. Mr. P'^al- 
lon\s widow sold the property to Athony J. Drexel in 1882. 



ORIGINAL SHOEMAKER HOUSE. 



Tne orig-inal RichardsoTi Shoemaker home, at the corner of Baltimore 
and Lansdcwne avenues, was built by Mary Owen in 1835, and occupied by 
Stephen Pancoast, who conducted therein for several years a general store; 
it was also used for store and business purposes hy Thomas Gracy, Thomas 
Snyder, J. BrOgan and A. Powell & Son, until 1844, 'when Dr. Small occupied 
it as a residence. Homer C. Stewart hought the property in 1883, and, after 
remodelling the interior, occupied it for .'several years, and Hachardson Shoe- 
maker purchased it from him in 1S9L 



FEDERAL INTERESTS- 

POST OFFICE 



In IS'88. the LansdowYie Post Office \«^as located at the intersection of the 

railroad and Elberon avenue, in the door-yard of the present home of Squire 

Charles Janvier, and consisted of a frame build- 

ing 10x12 teet, in charge of Mrs. Maryanna Bliss 

appointed November 14, 1882, who occupied the ad- 
.ioining house, and the Post Office force at the 
time included herself and a hoy, named Harry 
Kahler, who carried the mail bags to and from 
the trains. Tn 188*9 th^ Post Office was removed to 
the old railroad station; this huilding contained 
station and dwelling, and was occupied by John 
C. Hilbert, Ticlcet Agent, and family-. When Mr. 
Hilbert Was appointed Postmaster, July 22, 1889, he 
turned what had been his parlor into a Post Office, 
where it remained until the appointment of the 
late H. A. N'oecKel as Postmaster, January 15, 
18S6, the office hein'g then removed to its present 
location. Mr, Noeckel was succeeded July ^, 1897, 
by the preseJit Postmaste-r, Hon, Isaao P. Garrett, 
After the office had been transferred to the rail- 
road station the little frame building used as an 
office by Mrs. Eliss was purchased by Hichardson 
Shoemaker, and stood for a Tiutnbef of years in 
his dioor-yard at Lansdowne and Baltimore ave- 
nues, and was occupied by Charles Janvier as a 
Hon. I-saac P. Garrett Real Estate t)ffice and in performance of his duties 

Postmaster. Lansdowne, Pa. as Justice of the Peace. The bnilding is now locat- 
President ed at Ko. 8 West Baltimore avenue, Mr. Shoe- 

X>ajisdow-ne School Board. maker having removed to this point after seliinjj 
tils corne-T home to Dr. John A. McKenna. It is 




LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



now occupied by J. R. Roberts as a harne: |, shop. The Post Office was es- 
tablished in Lansdowne with the appointment of George C. Dickinson, as 
Postmaster on January 20, 1880. He was succeeded by G. BUss, who was 
appointed November 1, 1882, and the latter' s successor, Mrs. Maryanna BUss, 
was appointed November 14, 1882- 



EDUCATIONAL. 

LANSDOWNE PUBLIC SCHOOL 



Of the various Institutions of Lansdowne none can compare with the pub' 
lie school n the number of persons daily employed throughout the school 
year, and in the importance of th.3 work done. Situated on Baltimore 
avenue near the centre of the borough, the property presents an attractive 
appearance with its beautiful lawn, well kept buildings, and general en- 
tourage. Citizens should be justly proud of the manner in which the Board 
of School Directors and the Principal of the School look after every detail 
of repair, improvement, curriclum, and such 
other features as are essential to the proper hous- 
ing, entertainment, and education and training: 
of children of the borough. The aim of th-3 
school is to establish in girls and boys the ele- 
ments of character that will warrant success in 
life— to equip them with a good elementary- and 
secondary school education. The oldest part of 
the school building was completed in 1891, having 
been bviilt jointly by the Upper Darby Township 
school district and several citizens of Lansdowne 
who subscribed i'2,500, towards building the hall 
now used for high school purposes. The Upper 
Darby School Board paid these citizens for the 
hall, and when Lansdowne became a borough in 
189.3 the school building became the property of 
the newly incorporated borough. At this time 
there were 92 pupils and three teachers, and of 
these Miss Edna Hall, now teacher of the high 
school, was the second teacher appointed. Owing 
to the rapid increase in population and the enroll- 
ment of pupils it became necessarj^ to build an" 
addition of four rooms, which was' done in 1893. 
the number of pupils having increased to 2oO and 
of teachers to six. In 1898. in order to keep pace 
with still further growth in population, another addition had to be built, 
the number of pupils then being 450 and teachers 16. In anticipation of 
future needs, the School Boarl very wisely in 1898 purchased the ground 
which now forms the largest part of the school campus. 

In June. 1892, Miss Emilie Groce, now teacher of mathematics in the 
high school, was transferred by the Upper Darby School Board to the 
Lansdowne School to assume charge of the high school about to be es- 
tablished. Miss Elizabeth Lyster, teacher of English in the present high 
school, was added to the tea'ching force in the fall of 1892. 

Physical Culture was introduced into the curriculum in 1893, and Miss 
Carter, now the wife of Mrs. \Tilliam H. Worrell of this borough, was 
placed in charge of it; she also taught Drawing and Penmanship in the 
schools. Music was added in 1894. For a year, in 1893, Lansdowne was some- 
what conspicuous in having two school boards, one elected by Upper Dar- 
by Township and the other by Lansdowne. Report has it that entire har- 
mony cannot be said to have existed. The Upper Dkrby members were 




Prof Walter L. Philips 
Principal 
Lansdowne Public 
School. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 81 



elected on the first Monday of June, which preceded June 7, 1893, when the 
Boroug-h of Lansdowne was incorporated and therefore entitled to its own 
members. During the year 1893 the financial matters of the School Board 
were under the full control of the Upper Darby members of the Board. 

The ensuing years brought changes in teachers and pupils, classes were 
graduated annually until in 1895 an even hundred diplomas had been award- 
ed. Since that time 22 more have been granted. A list of graduates, by 
years, will be next announced: 

1895, Emily L. Hibberd, Elsie Robertson, Kate A. Beale. 1896, May E. 
Pearson, Amelia V. Lavender, Elizabeth Kaigh, William M. Dill, Gertrude 
Vandever, Carrie Cunningham, Amos Beadle, Samuel L. Hibberd, Jr. 1897, 
Anna M. Powell, Debbie Garrett, Mary JNewton, Alice Mannoid, M. So- 
phronia Beatty. 1898, Emma L. Lyster, Lena Powell, Alice Beadle. 1899, 
Lewis B. Custer, Lenore D. Dowdell, May H. Edwards, Bertha T. Freeborn, 
Endora Preston Hagy, Anna M. Hall, Robert S. Hunter, Gertrude S. Patter- 
son, Dora Pearson, Elizabeth Pearson, Emma W. Powell, Alice M. Ridings, 
Bertha Powell Smith, Helen A. Strangher, Edith Vandever Walker, Eleanor 
W. Woods, Jeanne W. Nichols. 1900, Florence Amelia Freeborn, Ethel T. 
Hetherington, Alma L. Janvier, Ella G. Steen, Edith H. Powell, John 
Shaffner, Jr., William LeR. Robertson, Robert D. Taylor, Frank T. Davis, 
<Jr. 1901, Abigail Simmons, Gertrude Alden, Florence Lowden, Jennie Shoes- 
ter, Lydia Gardner, May Taylor, Florence Hess, Mary W. Ferry, Christine 
Nichols, Catherine Fisher, Anna Cromie, May Jnughes, Virginia Evans, 
John Hughes, Reba T. Custer. 1902, Evelyn Eldredge. Ethel Warren, Em- 
ma Hoffner, Bessie Knight, Lily Paterson, Marie Stetser, Kirby Haigh, 
Charles Simons. 1903, Alexander Boyd. Earle G. Morgan, Margaret M. 
Ryan, Ida M. McCorkle, Elsie MacAllister, Retta S. Wallace, Gertrude De 
Haquencle, Anna V. Beadle, Frances Woods, Elizabeth Woods. 1904, Ethel 
M. Powell, Anna French, Alma Robertson. Eva Shiver, NeT>y Baker, Grace 
B. Maxwell, Ethel J. B. McLaughlin, W. Raymond Evans, Florence Schap- 
pett, Edith A. Corbin. Laura G. Wagenknight, Lillian D. Taylor, Edith A. 
Lauer. 1905, Edith M. Brown, Dorothy Lloyd. Edna M. Neil, Anna E. Pal- 
mer, Emma T. Schappett, Velma T. Simins. Verona A. Spicer, Rebecca S. 
Stackhouse. 1906, Florence A. Garrett, M. Clara Hertel, Miriam W. Hines, 
Elma C. Kirk, Marie G. Loughney, Mary J. Sullivan, Helen S. Thomas, 
Mabel Wallace, Emma AVarrell, M. Carleton Cowles, Ralph P. Earle. 1907. 
Elisabeth K. Clothier, Ella H. "^^allace, Helen Levis. Katharine S. Myers. 
1918, Alma P. Wallace, William H. Blester. Ella Clark, Helen Cook, Lydia 
W. Reinstein, R. Bon Davis, Clement A. Fowler. 

The first school board of Lansdowne consisted of the folloing members: 
Isaac P. Garrett, President; Edwin B. Lewis. Secretary; Matthew Van- 
dever, Treasurer; William P. Freeborn; Joseph Fleming, and Edward Fack- 
ler. The preset school board is made up as follows: Isaac P. Garrett, Presi- 
dent; William P. Freeborn. Secretary; James T. Stewart, Treasurer; Frank 
T. Davis, Sr. ; J. Eug-ene Baker; and John D. S. Brooks. Other persons who 
have served on the school board are: Charles M. Corbin. Henry C. Statzell, 
Nathan D. Bartram, Frederick A. Genth. and Walter R. Linvingston. 

Those who will pause to consider will admit that much credit is due those 
who have served the district faithfully as directors and teachers, and who 
acted as pioneers in one of the greatest fields of human endeavor. A mo- 
dern school system is now in operation and open to th inspection of critics 
of all degrees. Instruction and practice in a complete and up-to-date 
Physical Training department are given four days of the week in all 
grades. Manual Training and Drawing are appropriately combined in one 
department, training being given throughout all the grades and the high 
•school, ^^ork in a thorough Music department likewise extends through- 
t)ut the schools. Exhibitions of work in these three latter departments were 
given in 1908. when patrons were afforded an opportunity of seeing the pos- 
sibilities allied to the branches. "With the addition of German in the high 
school curriculum, and laboratory work in physics; with the supplementing 



32 



LANSDOVrXE PAST AND PRESENT 



of advanced courses in History and EnglisJi, together with courses formerly 
established, the high school oilers training equivalent to that provided by 
the best known similar educational institutons. The manual trauTing shops 
and physical laboratory' are equipped with high grade apparatus. Four 
new typewriters were added to the Commercial Department in 1308, and 
large space was given to this branch. An Athletic .^.ssociatiou, recently or- 
ganized, offers opportunities to boys to participate in manly sports, also to 
meet teams of equal standing from other representative schools. G Iris as 
well as bovs plav basketball, engage in track and field sports, and take 
part in work of the gymnasium. All athletic w©rk is under careful andi 
capable supervision. 

The number of pupils in the high school on October I, 190g, was 14Z, near- 
ly twice the number enrolled two years previous. The upper grades espec- 
ially are full and the time is not far distant when it will be necessary to» 
have more spacious rooms for high school development. A larger building 
and a large faculty will justify and call for a riper and higher cuTricuIum 
and more thorough training. With the introdusfion of departmental work: 
in grades and high school better training of teachers is reqi^red and speciaE 
ists wiir erelong be demanded for all departments of school work:, to insure 




LANSDOWNE PUBLIC SCHOOL. 



the greatest efficiency. There is- a stamding- csrdiar in^ntation to patrons-- 
to visit and inspect the schools,, as the school ofRciaLs and teachers desire- 
the fullest p©ssibl"e oe -operatic n of citizens in all that relates to the maJLa.- 
tenance and upbuilding "of the borough educational system.. 



LANiSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



3'3 



The school tax prior to organization of the boroug-h and for 1894 the first 
year that the borough authorities fixed the rate was B^/^ mills, in 1895 it was 
4I/2 mills, and continued to increase, with normal developement of local 
educiitional interests and requirements until in 1505 it was 9 mills, in 1906 
it was 9 mills, and in 1307 and 1908, notwithstanding- the school system has 
largely grown in all essential and important directions, it was S inills. 




LANSDOWNE FREE LIBRARY. 



Under the provisions of the Act of June 28, 18^, the Lansdowne Public 
Library was organized March 29, 1899, with the following officers: Frederic 
M. Spiers, chairman; Henry C. Statzell, vice-chairman; \v'illiam P. Free- 
born, ex-officio Secretary; Charles M. Corbin, ex-officio Treasurer; Hon. 
Isaac P. Garrett, (President of School Board), ex-offlcio; Edward V. Kane; 
Charles M. \\^agner; Mrs. Rebecca S. Conard; Miss Anna Woolman; and 
Miss Annie Sinclair Regester, Librarian. The Library- was opened to the 
public June 3, 1S99. with 1,345 books. It occupied rooms in the public school 
building until October 3, 1905, when it was removed with 3,190 volumes and 
an enrolled membership of 675, to its present quarters at the north-east 
corner of the school campus fronting on lialtimore and Highland avenues, 
and William P. Drew succeeded Miss Regester as Librarian. In May, 1904, 
pressure being brought upon the school board to secure further school ac- 
commodations, and in order to meet the demands for the proper housing 
of the Free Pviblic Library, as well also as being confronted with the fact 
of another possible purchaser therefor being in the field, they decided it 
was judicious and, indeed, necessary to acquire the corner properly herein 
referred to, in order to prevent encroachment upon the school site. The 
price paid was $8,000, there being at thi-? time a building erected thereon 
which had cost $6,000. To fit up this building to meet the requirements of 
the Library also for two class-rooms on the second floor and an ample 
store room on the third floor, the board entered into a contract with 



34 LANSDOWNE PAST AND I'RBSENT 



William C. Shuster, Jr., representing $2,530. Bonds amounting to $8,000 
were issued May ^^, 1904, to pay for this corner property, and on June 3, 
1904, a $4,000 ground-rent was executed for the same purpose. About this 
time a proposition was considered involving the acceptance of $10,000, for a 
Caxnegie Library Building, to which was incident a guaranteed annual 
mantenance fund of $1,000, and other requirements usually allied to this 
manner of gift. For various good reasons, duly announced at a special pub- 
lic meeting held for the purpose, the offer was declined, and the course 
above outlined was pursued. 

The Library in October, 1908, contained 4,467 books, and an erollment of 
1,437 members. The present officers are: Trustees, Capt. Robert Crawford, 
Chairman; Claude A. Simpler, Vice-Chairman; Rev. Crosswell McBee, Sec- 
retary; Joseph Fleming , Treasurer; Hon. Isaac P. Garrett, ex-otticio; J. 
Herbert Ogden; Prof. George H. Hallett; and William P. Drew, Librarians. 



ST. PHILOMENA'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL 



St. Philomena's Parochial School is located on the Church property im- 
mediatelv adjoining St. Philomena's R. C. Church, at the corner of Balti- 
more and Highland avenues. The school had its initial opening Tuesday, 
September 3, 1907, with the following corps of teacncrs: Principal, the Rev. 
Mother M. Raymond, assisted by Sister M. Luigi who was also in charge 
of the Commercial course; Sister M. Kdna; Sister M. Perpetua; Sister M. 
Basil; and Sister M. Mercedes, who had charge of the musical course. 
There teachers were appointed Saturday, August 17, 1907, and opening day 
marked their first day in Lansdowne. The new school building was conse- 
crated to educational purposes Wednesday evening. May 29, 19D7, when a 
brilliant and largely attended progressive" euchre and dance was given in 
the spacious hall, all parts of the building being at the same time thrown 
open for inspection. P. J. Hurley, of Philadelphia, was the builder. The 
structure was started i July 1906, and was erected on a site with a frontage 
of 50 feet and a depth of 112 feet. It is of straight range work, exclusively 
Pont Deposit stone being used. The interior throughout is finished in oak 
and is fully provided with the most approved modern facilities. There are 
eight class rooms on the first floor. On the second floor is the auditorium, 
with a seating capacity lOr 8(X) persons, and a spacious stage, both electri- 
cally illuminated, the auditorium having 22 electric lights of the drop pat- 
tern, and the stage 16 foot-lights, fireproofed with asbestos and tin, there 
being also good side-lights. Each class room on the first floor has two large 
combined fixtures, 4 electric lights and 4 gas jets, and each room is well 
ventilated with a large transom over each door and three large windows to 
a room. Toilet rooms with wash-stands and all accersories are located on 
the second floor. At the rear of the building is a lavatory complete in every 
detail. In the attic are commodious storage rooms. The roof is slated, 
with copper cornices and copper rain conductors. The building cost a.bout 
S.'jO.OO. The. idea of erecting a school building originated with the Rector of 
the Parish, the Rev. Francis J. Markee, who began his Borough Church 
work on January 28, 1S9S. The school is now one of Lansdowne" s most 
prominent educational centres, as is it one of the handsomest build- 
ings in the Borough. The School was formally dedicated by Archibishop 
Ryan on Sxinday, September 22^ 1907. 



LANSDOWNE PA8T AND I'KESEXT 



:35 



FIRE DEPARTMENT 

LANSDOWNE FIRE COMPANY. 



The Lansdowne Fire Company, with 
quarters on the first or g-round floor of the 
Borough Building", on East Baltimore ave- 
nue, was organized December 8, 1894, and in- 
coporated and chartered November 9, 1897. 
The first officers of the Company were: 
President, Joseph S. Vanzandt; Vice-Presi- 
dent, B. H. Archer; Secretary, T^^illiam C. 
Smith; Treasurer, Charles M. Wagner; Chief 
JosephL. Lowden; 1st Assistant Chief, 
Robert Gllfillan; 2nd A.ssistant Chief, H. 
B. Stites; other officers: John C. Hilbert, 
Geo. M. Wag-ner, Chas. M. Corbin, Harry 
Hibbitt, Wm. Smedley, Wm. F. Shaffner, 
A. M. Brown, John M. Ridings, J. W. War- 
ren, \A^. P. Freeborn. The officers as of 
October 1, 1908, were: President, James T. 
Stewart; Vice-President, J. Herbert Ogden; 
Secretary, Wm. F. Shaffner; Treasurer, B. 
H. Shoemaker, 3rd; Chief, Cornelius Mc- 
Culloug-h; 1st Assistant Chief, John Hefner; 
2nd Assistant Chief, James J. McCullough; 
Executive Committee, Daniel D. Mullin, 
Dr. John A. McKenna, and Georg-e N. 
Storch. Finance Committee, Louis J. Eagle, 
Charles J. Wocher, and J. W. Kershaw. 
House Committee, A. J. Hefner, Wm. J. 
Hall and P. Richards. The following- com- 
ment appeared in a local paper September 29, 1906: The building- in which 
the Company is housed cost $13,000, and is owned by the boroug-h. The 
rolling-stock, or purely vehicular equipment, called for total expenditures of 
about $3,500; the apparatus, general equipment and uniforms about $3,500. 
The entire operating" outfit, according to the fire marshal, represents ap- 
proimately $8,000. The membership roll contains the names of upwards of 
175 active and contributing- members, the active members numbering- about 
70. TheFire Company owned the lot on w^hich the Boroug-h Building stands, 
and sold it to the Borough for $2,000, to be paid off at the rate of $100 a year. 
The Fire Company pay the Borough a nominal rental of One Dollar per 
annum. 




James T. Stewart, 

Manufacturer. 

President Lansdowne Fire Co. 

Member and Treasurer 

Lansdowne School Board. 



Firemen's Relief Association, Lansdowne, Pa. 
Lansdowne Fire Company. 



The Firemen's Relief Association, conducted in the interest of mem- 
bers of the Lansdowne Fire Company, was org-anized August 16, 1899, and 
incoporated December 20, in the same year. The first officers were: Presi- 
dent, Joseph L. Low^den; Vice-President, B. H. ^^rcher; Secretarv, Wm. C. 
Smitn; Treasurer, William F. Shaffner; Trustees, Robert Gilfillan, J. \V. 
Warren, James J. McCullough, Wm. Bradley, and B. H. Shoemaker, 3rd. 
The officers as of October 1, 1908, were: President, B. H. Archer; Vice- 



m LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



President, John Hefner; Secretary, Fred J. Riley; Treasurer. Wm. F. 
Shaftner; Trustees, H. B. Miller, James T. Stewart and Louis J. Lagrle. 
The object of the Association is the accumulation of a fund, from ihe 
annual dues of its members, legacies, bequests, gitti^ and other sources, for 
the purpose of relieving firemen who may be uisabled, through siclcness 
or accident, while in the performance of their duties as active firemen of 
the Borough of Lansdowne, and in case of death for the benefit of a mem- 
ber's widow, orphans, or es.tate. Stated m.eetings are held monthly, on Iha 
first Monday of each month, imnaediately after the regular meeting of the 
Fire Company, 



LANSDOWNE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. 

The Lansdowne Building & Loan Association was formed m 18C9, its 
nineteenth annual statement having been issued as of January, 1908. This 
statement showed a net amount for distribution amounting to $3^7,406.93. 
The chief ass-ets consisted of Real Estate Loans, 1st Mortgages, $340,5L)iJ.U0; 
Stock Loans, $16,750.00; Cash on hand, $3,222.76; Real Estate, $930.00. The 
officers are; President, Morgan Bunting; Vice-President, John Jackson; 
Secretary, George Foster White; Treasurer, Anna Wooiman; Directors, 
Morgan Bunting, Johji Jackson, George Foster White, Anna Wooiman, 
Arthur Shrigley, Sam.uel S. Pennock, Arthur S. Garrett, Fred C. Gretz, 
John A. Keestaerry, C. Wilfred Conard, S. John Pyle, William J. Hilbert, 
C. C. Lippincott; Auditors, Evan E. Bartlesou and Benjamin M. Shoe- 
maker, 2rd. 



PUBLIC UTILITIES. 



LANSDOWNE WATER COMPANY 

In the early Eighties Caspar Pennock, who located in Lansdowne vil- 
lage in 1872, ran a private water works to supply houses he had built, also 
those of neighbors, a,nd at the time the Lansdowne Water Company was 
chartered in 1889, upwards of 75 houses were being supplied. In the rear 
of the Pennock home, now occupied by David Muncer, stood the water tank 
house, a frame structure about three stories in heighth, erected over an 
artesian well. A large tank was enclosed in th.9 top of the strucCure, and 
water was forced into this tank, by a pump, from the ground floor of the 
building. The Water Company was conducted mainly by members of the 
Pennock family and Daniel D. Mullin. The plant .soon became too small, and 
another larger tank was erected on a lot on Highland avenue, north of 
Stratford avenue, now occupied by Mt. Sinai Bapt.st Church. Later on 
this plant also failed to meet the increasing demand for water, whereupon 
a tank, with a capacity of 200,000 gallons, was built on a piece of land* on 
Lansdowne avenue opposite the Arlington Cemetery and next to the Upper 
Darby School building; a pumping station being erected in the valley, at 
State Road and Lansdowne avenue, from which the tank on the hill was 
supplied with water. Early one morning the hoops of this large tank gave 
way, the escaping water flooding Lansdowne avenue and overflowing the 
cellars of nearby houses. After this accident the old Company sold out to 
the Springfield Water Company in February, 189a. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



37 



SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED WATER COMPANY 

The Springfield Water Company ac- 
quired ine property of the I^ansdowne Water 
Company, hereinbefore mentioned, m Feoru- 
ary, loytJ. The plant of this Company is locat- 
ed on ihe banks of Crum Creek, at Marple, 
Springfield Township. Delaware County, 

about five and one-half miles west of Lans- 
downe. It embraces three pumping stations, 
a filter station, a wheel house, and a reser- 
voir with a capacity of about 10,000,000 gal- 
lons. 1 he water is pumped direct from 
Crum Creek to the filter station where it is 
thoroughly treated and then forced through 
cemeiit-lmed pipes to the reservoir on Mar- 
ple Hill, from which point distribution is 
made through cement-lined mains to Lans- 
downe and vicinity. The water has been 
subjected to chemical analysis from time to 
time bv experts, and pronounced to be of 
very high excellence from the standpoint of 
pur'itv. The maximum pumping capacity of 
the plant is approximately 12,u00,0OJ gallons 
per day, but the normal capacity ranges 
from 5,000,000 to 8.000,000 gra.llons a day. The 
average water pressure is about 65 pounds per 
square inch. The pressure for fire protection varies in different localities. 




George A. Nitzky, Jr. 
Supt. Springfield Consoli- 
dated Water Company 




PUMPING STATION. SPRlN( iFlKLl ) roX. U'ATeR CO, 
MARPLE HILL, DELAWARE COUNTY. 



running anywhere from 60 to 98 pounds per square inch. The Company has 
about eighteen (IS) miles of water mains in Lansdowne, and thirty-four (^i) 



38 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



fire hydrants. The officers are: James T. Keen, President; Georg-e M 
Bunting, Trea,surer; H. B. Hodg-e, Secretary; Wm. H. Roth, Assistant Se- 
cretary; and George A. Nitzky, Jr., Superintendent. The title of the 
Company was changed to "Springfield Consolidated Water ComDany" on 
September 28, 1908. 




A. M. GETZ 
Manager, The Philadelphia Suburban 
Electric Company. 



Philadelphia Suburban 
Electric Company. 



Lansdowne Electric Light 
Company. 



The Lansdowne Electric Light 
Company was organized August 
22, 1898, with the following officers: 
President, Henry C. Statzell; 
Vice-President, J. Milton Lutz; 
Secretary and Treasurer, Edwin 
B. Lewis; Directors, Richardson 
Shoemaker, Edgar T. Bishop, M. 
J. Kelly, N. J. Mitchell, and Tam- 
many P. Street. The plant was 
located on Bartram avenue, be- 
tween Union and Wycombe ave- 
nues. The Company sold its 
plant to the Philadelphia Subur- 
ban Electric Company January 
1, 1906. In December, 1908, the pre- 
sent Company had in operation in 
the Borough 174 incandescent 
lights of 25 candle power each, and 
street lamps, distributed about 
300 feet apart, and also had 484 
electric lights located in Borough 
residences. In January, 1906, 
there were 166 street lights and 
lamps and 266 consumers. The 
officers of the Company are: 
President and Vice-President, J. 
Lord Rigby, of Media; Secretary 
Media; Manager, A. M. Getz, 



and Treasurer, H, J. Makiver, of 

of Morton. Thie main office of the Company is located in the Barker 

Building, Lansdowne, with Manager Getz in charge. 



Delaware County and Philadelphia Electric Railway Co. 



The Delaware County and Philadelphia Electric Railway Company en- 
tered Lansdowne snortly before its incorporation as a Borough under the 
terms of an agreement between George S. Garrett and Reuben Grant, Su- 
pervisors of Upper Darby Township, and the Trolley Company, dated April 
19, 1893. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRr^SENT 89 



Lansdowne Sewage Company, 



The Lansdowne Sewage Company was organized May 2, 1892, and char- 
tered June 16, 1892. The first officers were: President, Dr. Ei T. Darby; 
Vice-President, Abraham L. Pennock; Secretary, Charles Kerby, Jr.; Treas- 
urer, David H. Garrett; Directors, Dr. E. T. Darby, Abraham' L. Pennock, 
Dr. S. H. Guilford, Chaxles Kerby, Garrett H. Levis, Homer C. Stewart, 
John J. White, Aldrich J. Pennock, George W. Thorpe, John C. Lewis. The 
present officers are: President, Dr. E. T. Darby; Vice-President, Aoraham 
L. Pennock; Secretary, John Shaffner; Treasurer, Caspar Pennock; Direc- 
tors, Dr. E. T. Darby, Abraham L. Pennock, Dr. S. H. Guilford, John J. 
White, Garrett H. Levis, Aldrich J. Pennock. The work done by the Com- 
pany consisted of the laying of terra-cotta pipe a,nd draining into a well 
on the property of Abraham L. Pennock, where the sewage was disinfect- 
ed. The work represented an expenditure of about $2,000. The property was 
leased to the Borough of Lansdowne May 21, 1S91, at a rental of $100 per 
year, the Borough Council agreeing to keep it in repair during the contin- 
uance of the lease, and also enjoying the privilege of acquiring it by pur- 
chase. The sewer has been incorporated in the Borough system, tne Bor- 
ough authorities having made attachments to it. It runs 'into the Darby 
sewer. 



SHRINES OF WORSHIP. 



Lansdowne Presbyterian Church 

The First Presbyterian Church of Lansdowne was organized May 26, 
1887. The Rev. James Roberts, D. D., at that time pastor of Darby Borough 
Presbyterian Church, of Darby, Pa., had his attention attracted to the field 
as offering a promising outlook for Presbyterianism. Calling into his coun- 
sel Elder Joseph L. Davis, who had moved to Lansdowne on October 9, 
1883, it was th^ought advisable to invite James S. Austin and H. H. Cooke 
at a preliminary conference, at which the advisability of starting a. Sab- 
bath-school and preaching station should be considered. Homer C. Stewart 
who is entitled to great credit for the part he played in the early develop- 
ment of the settlement, had publicly announced his intention of donating 
a lot of ground to any church which would erect upon it a suitable build- 
ing for worship. Application was at once made to Mr. Stewart for the 
gift, but the Baptist brethren, then worshipping at Yeadon, had already 
secured an option on the lot. A confrence was held and a meeting called, 
to be held at the Railroad station the evening of February 18, 1887, but the 
evening appointed was so inclement that but 10 persons wer present, namely, 
James S. Austin, Joseph L. Davis, John W. Davis, William McMurray, E. 
W. Wickets, H. H. Cooke, William P. Freeborn, Homer C. Stewart, William 
L. Wilson, and J. M. Macauley. As the outcome of that meeting tlie vacant 
warehouse of Joseph Powell was secured and flitted up for Sunday-school 
purposes, and on February 27, 1887, a school of 51 members was organized 
and preaching regularly instituted. Upon the Sabbath following 120 persons 
were present, and it was at once perceived that the erection of a church 
edifice would eerlong become a necessity. The offer of Mr. and Mrs. W. Al- 
bert Johnson to donate an acre of ground for church purposes, led to the 
organization of a Board of Trustees, and the application for a charter, 
which was duly recorded and issued June 6, 1887. Ground was broken 
shortly after September 20, 1887, the first spadeful being removed by the 
son of Mr. W. A. Johnson. On October 18,1887, the corner-stone of the 
new structure was laid in the presence of a large and enthusiastic audience, 
Dr. Roberts being assisted in the service by the Rev. Drs. S. W. 



40 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



Dana and Josepli Addigon Henry, of i^hiladelphia, and Philip ^ H. 
Mowry and Thomas ivicv^auley, oi Cnester, and on ounaay, i^eo- 
luary 2(, 1888, vne congregauon tooK possession of tne buila- 
ing, dedicating- it to Divme use free from deot. Meanwhile the Pres- 
bytery of Chester, acceding- to th request of o7 petitioners, had reg-uiariy or- 
ganized a church May '^7, 1687, of which Joseph L. Davis and George J. 
Haven had Deen elected ii,lders and Dr. KoDeris had been appointtu paipic 
supply. Dr. KoDerts otticiated in this capacity until April 4, ii&y, when tha 
meinuership having grown to 97 persons, it was deemed advisaoie to secure 
a pastor who could give his undivided attention to the aevelopment of the 
field. On October 3, 1&89, the Kev. T. D. Jester was installed into this office, 
and continued therein until April 12, 189J. The present minister, tne itev. 
William Boyd, began his labors in Lansdowne on Ma^rch 12, 18yd. and was 
inaucted into the pastorate in the month of May succeeding. The seating 
capacity of the church has been enlarged twice, a substantial adaition in vh^ 
shape of a church parlor and library room has been built at an outlay of 
$l,7u0, and in 1897 an additional acre of ground was purchased for $5,500, upon 
•whicu it is proposed to erect a beautiful church. In matters temperal, also, 
the congregation, in addition to the erection of a fine chaipel, have built an 
elegant and commodious "manse." 'Ihe church property represented ori- 
ginally a valuation, inclusive of improvements, approximately !^25,000; but 
this value has, under the spell of borougn growth and development, become 
a matter of comparative insignificance. 

The first Board of Trustees was appointed at a meeting held at the home 
of J. S. Austin, March 8, 3887, to consider ths advisability of accepting the 
lot offered by Mr. and Mrs. W. Albert Johnson. The Trustees were: Homer 
C. Stewart, President; J. S. Austin, Treasurer; J. M. Macauley. Secretary; 
W. Albert Johnson, J. L. Appleton, Leander Marshall, Jno. W. Davis, David 
H. Garrett, W. L. Wilson. These were the first 12 Apostles of the Church 
temporalities. The lot in question was duly accepted at a meeting of the 
Trustees held March 29, 1887. 



Church of St. John the Evangelist 

The mission out of which St. John's Parish grew was established near- 
28 years ago at Fernwood, Delaware County, Pa., and subsequently, because 
of growth in population, removed to Lansdowne. The first service was held 
at Fernwood, January 2, 1881, at 7.30 p. m. by the Rev. F. Nalbro Robm.son, 
Rector of St. George's Church, West End, Philadelphia, with the assistance 
of the Rev. Dr. Mason, of Kingsessing, the Rev. Dr. Fiske, and others. 
After the withdrawal of the Rev. Mr. Robinson, the Rev. R. F. Innes be- 
came the missionary, and under his charge the mission was removed to 
Lansdowne. Rev. Robert F. Innes began his work as minister in charge 
April 7, 1882. Ground was broken for the foundation of the church edifice, 
corner of Baltimore and Union avenues, May 28, 1888, the corner-stone was 
laid by Bishop Whittaker, June 19, 1888, and the first service held Novem- 
ber 11 in the same year. 

In 1889 the Rev. E. Gaines Nock was placed in charge. He preached the 
sermon at the first anniversary service of the opening of the church and 
was later appointed priest-in-charge by the Bishop of the Diocese. He was 
succeeded in November, 1891, by the Rev. Charles H. De Garms, who con- 
tinued until July 16, 1896, when the Rev. William T. Manning assumed 
charge. He began his work July 19, the Seventh Sunday after Trinity, and 
on February 3, 1897, the requisite steps having been taken, and a petition, 
signed by 45 ma.le communicants of full age, having been presented, the 
consent of the Bishop and Standing Committee was given for the organiza- 
tion of St. John the Evangelist as an independent parish. In May, 1897. a 
charter of incorporation was applied for, and it was granted June 7, 1897. 
The Rev. Mr. Manning retired November 1, 1898. for the Rectorship of 
Christ Ch^urch, Nashville, Tenn. He wag at one time an instructor in the 



LANyDO^YNE PAST AND PRESENT 41 

University of the South, at Sewanee. Tenn. During his tenure the lot for 
the site of the present beautiful church building-, on West Baltimore avenue, 
immediately adjoining the Barker Building, was purchased for the sum of 
^9,U00, and plans devised for raising the necessary amount toward erecting 
the new church. Mr. Manning is now Rector of Trinity Church, Nevv 
"iork City. The Rev. Mr. Manning wag succeeded by the Rev. Lyman P. 
Powell, November 1, 1SS8, and owing to the latter' s eftbrts the amount need- 
ed for the erection of the parish church was raised. Ground was broken 
August 27, 190U, and the corner-stone laid October 6 in the same year by 
Bishop O. AV. Whittaker. The church w^as ^completed and the first service 
held on Easter Sunday, 1901. The architecture of the structure is perpen- 
dicular v^othic of the later Tudor period. On DeDcember 25, 1903, the Rev. 
Mr. Powell resigned to take charge of the Rectorship of St. John's Church, 
Northampton in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, when the Rev. F, 
B. Hodgins, who had been for some time acting as his assistant, was 
minister-in-charge. so continuing until the present Rector, the Rev. Cross- 
well McBee, was called by the Vestery, commencing his Rectorship on Palm 
Sunday, March 27, 1904, having formerly been Rector of the Church of the 
Nativity, Union, South Carolina. 

THE ST. JOHN'S CLUB 

Among the earlv social organizations of Lansdowne none enjoyed 
greater popularity than thD St. John's Club, organized September 4, lS9d, 
and which included the representative citizens of the borough. The club 
was located in the Barker Building, and comprehended a reading room 
well provided with the best current literature, and also conducted a public 
lecture course at each meeting. 

Pool table and shuffleboards were features of membership enter^^^^^'n- 
ment, while upwards of four and one-half acres of ground, at the corner 
of Baltimore and Union avenues were secured for use of the Club's Ath- 
letic Department. The officers in 1900 were: President, Rev. Lyman P. Pow- 
ell; Vice-president, John M. Ridings; Scretary, H. T. Lavender: T'-ea surer, 
William I. Austin. Board of Directors. Morley Underhill, Frank T. Davis, 
Sr., Wm. H. Barker, Edwin W. Hetherington. and Jpmes T. Stewart. The 
membership in the same year was approximately 230. 



Lansdowne Methodist Episcopal Church 

The Lansdowne Methodist Episcopal Church occupies one of the most 
desirable and attractive sites in the Borough, at the corner of Lansdowne 
and Stratford avenues. It was organized June 11, 1S91, meeting in Garrett's 
Hall; afterward removing to Central Hall, service being held in the latter 
hall until completion of the church edifice. The corner-stone was laid on 
Thanksgiving Day, 1894, the church dedication, by Bishop E. G. Andrews, 
D. D. LL. D., of New York, taking place on Sunday, June 2. 1895. Samuel 
T. Milligan, of Philadelpnia, Pa., was the architect, and Frank S. Riggs, of 
Clifton. Delaware County, was the builder. The Rev. George Boddis, 1893, 
and 1894, and the Rev. T. Norton Hyde, 1895, were the first pastors, in the 
order named. The Rev. Hyde was succeeded by pastors in the following or- 
der, namely, the Rev. A. D. Mink, 1E96 and 1897, the Rev. W. E. Sargeant, 
in 1898, and 1899, theRev. Charles Wesley Burns, 19)0 to 19')4, inclusive, th;- 
Rev. Charles Wesley Straw, 1905, the Rev. William H. Lindemuth, 1906, and 
the Rev. J. R. T. Grav. in 1907 and 190S. 



Lansdowne Baptist Chufch 

The Lansdowne Baptist Church, located on the lot at the corner of 
Lansdowne and LaCrosse (formerly Summit) avenues, was organized Febru- 
ary 14, 1887. On January 25, of the same year a meeting was hald at tne 



42 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



of J. D. Mitchell totalk over the project of organizing a church, those pre- 
sent being Casper Garrett, W. H. Robertson, James French, J. D. Mitchell 
John Curtis, Annie Kccher.pergtr, Catherine Mitn. 1, Aania Koba^rtson, M S3 
Annie Robertson, and Lillie Robertson; and the following temporary' officers 
were elected, namely: Treasurer, Casper Garrett; Clerk, J. D. Mitchell, 
February 6, 1887, a meeting was held to select a site for the new building. 
A meeting was held eight days later, when the following persons were re- 
ceived from sister churches: J. D. Mitchell, Alfred Fhipps, Amanda A. 
Phipps, Annie Kochersperger, Mary Hebrew, J. Milton Lutz,( Casper Gar- 
rett, John Garrett, Ella Garrett, Wm. H. Robertson, W. J. Robertson, Jas. 
W. Pennepacker, Lizzie Pennepacker. The site above mejitioned was then 
selected. The corner-stone was laid May 24, 1887, the Rev. Dr. Galley of 
the Lehigh Avenue Church, officiating. Recognition services were held in 
the temporary building June 25, 1887, and the first service was held in the 
new chapel on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. The first pastor of the church was 
Robert M. Green, called July 16, 1894, and who retired June 3, 1893. He was 
succeeded by T. C. Skinner, who entered upon the work July 1, 1896, and 
resigned in 1898, being succeeded the same year by the Rev. Wm. Carey Cald- 
er. The Rev. John T. Anderson became pastor in 1901, and the present pas- 
tor, the Rev. Thomas C. Bird, assumed the pastorate in February, 1904. 



Lansdowne Friends' Meeting (Orthodox) 

NORTH LANSDOWNE AVENUE. 

Willia-m Penn's work in advancing the Friends' was not more effectively 
sustained by any of his successors than by John Woolman, who died in 1772, 
a lineal descendant of whom is a resident of Lansdowne. The Orthodox 
Friends occupied as a meeting-house, after proper alterations had been 
made thereto, a wheelwright shop that stood on the lot now Covered by the 
the Barker Building. In this improvised structure Thomas P. Cope was 
married. He was a< noted Philadelphia shipping merchant in his day, 
operating a line of packets to Liverpool, England, and other foreign ports, 
a business in which representatives of the fa.mily are still engaged. At 
that time John and Naomi Woolman, parents of John Woolman, were 
elders of the meeting. The local Society was organized in 1827. In 1831 the 
present meeting-house was built on the Darby and Radnor Road (Lans- 
downe Avenue.) For the last seventy-seven years divine worship has been 
uninterruptedly conducted, in it.^ most simple but impressive form, in this 
plain, Substantial, comfortable, and withal attractive meeting-house. 

Among the "leaders" since 1831 may be mentioned Jacob Elfreth and 
Mary Garrett, as "overseers"; Henry Longstreth, as minister; John and 
Naomi Woolman; Abraham Pennock, 'father of Abram L. Pennock; Edward 
Garrett, father of George S. Garrett; Ann Garrett, who died in her ninety- 
fourth year; Samuel Rhoads; Isaac P. Garrett, uncle of the present Post- 
master of Lansdowne; and Thomas Garrett, father of Edward and Isaac 
Garrett. 

When the present meeting-house was erected the only houses within view 
"were the farm house, still standing, of John Lobb, father of Mrs. William 
Albert Johnson; the farm-house of Mr. Kenney, known since as "The 
Mansion," an old house afterward converted Into the residence of Ivan Fox on 
Baltimore avenue; the Owen farm-house; and a log-and-plaster house on 
the lot on which was built the house of Abraham Powell, on Stewart ave- 
nue, which thoroughfares was named for Homer C Stewart 



Friends' Meeting House, Owen Avenue (Hicksite) 

The Friends' Meeting House at the corner of Owen and Stratford ave- 
nues was erected in 1903, free of debt, by the Lansdowne Monthly Meet- 
ing of Friends. The building is of stone and contains, in addition to the 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 43 



auditorium, five class rooms and a library for the use of the First-day 
School. A larg-e room in the basement is equipped for serving- luncheon or 
other refreshments on occasions calling- for such entertainments. The for- 
mation of Lansdowne Monthly Meeting-, which is the org-anization controlling' 
the various activities incidental to the religious Meeting and First-day 
School, was the outgrowth of a concern felt by a number of residents of the 
borough, who, finding themselves removed from easy access to older Meet- 
ings had some years before begun meeting- for religious worship on JFii'st- 
day morning-. The first session for business was held 9th month, 23rd, 1901, 
in Barker Hall, the initial membership being 28, the membership at the close 
of 1908 being- 115. The first clerk was Sarah B. Bartram, and the office is 
at present filled by William H. Fogg. The Trustees are Frank Maris, 
Sumner G. Brosius, William W. Kester, J. Alfred Bartram, Edward B. Tem- 
ple, Abram G. Powell. 



St. Philomena's R. C. Church 

St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Church, of which the basement and 
first story only are completed, was dedicated in 1S98, and when completed it 
,will be one of the handsomest relig-ious edifices in the county. The Rector 
is the Rev. Francis J. Markee, who is assisted by the Rev. William T. T..al- 
lou. The status of the church is best told in the following' description of 
the orig-in of St. Philomena's Parochial School, which appeared in The 
Progress" of June 1, 1907: "The school had its beg"inning- in the active mind 
of the popular rector of the parish, the Rev. Francis J. Markee, who beg-an 
his labors in 1898, almost one decade age. When hjs first visited the bor- 
ough he interview eighty families on the possibilities of advancing- relg-ious 
work in the community. From that day down to the present hour he has 
ceaselessly striven to promote and maintain a healthy and vig-orous endeai- 
vor in thje undertaking-. How well he has succeeded is attested by the 
statement that from the original eighty families his parishioners have in- 
creased over three-fold and now number 250 families. This means from the 
standpoint of five members to each family, a parish of 1,250 souls. But this 
is not the total for there are upwards of 350 other persons identified with the 
parish, which swells the total to 1,500 persons." 

CATHOLIC MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION 

This society was organized March 20, 1900 and had a membership of about 
20, The officers were: President, Wm. S. Culhane; Recording- Secretary, 
Albert J. Crawford; Financial Secretar;^-, Michael J. Nolan; Treasurer, Ber 
nard Doherty. Trustees: John C, Schappett, Rev. F. J. Markee. Dr John 
A. McKenna, Bernard Doherty, John J. Manley, Jr. 

ST. PHILOMENA'S R. C. CHURCH 

St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Church wa,s organized January 29, 
1898; the cornerstone was laid November 29, 1898, and the church was dedi- 
cated May 27, 1900, 



44 



LAXBDOWXE PAST AND PRE.^ENT 



CLUBS AND SOCIAL ASSOCIATIONS. 



Unlike New York City, the first clubs formed in Lansdowne were not 
taverns, nor have taverns ever secured a foothold in the beautiful Borough 
Club life in the Borough has been very similar to that common to the 
career of other communities of like size; tnat is, many have been organized 
and started and many have been dissolved and passed away. Those re- 
maining are, for the" most part, substantially inaugurated and represent 
distinct factors in municipal advancement in all important directions: 



Country Club of Lansdowne 




i.ANSD;^)\VNE cui-s-niY cia:u liuisi-:. 



The Country Club of Lansdowne Was incorporated in 1902, and was 
grounded upon substantial support energetically extended by a group of the 
older residents, who recognized that Lansdowne needed somfe manner of 
concentering point of local sociability to which would be incident the 
advantages and benefits of a country club promotive of out-door sports and 
exercise. The moving spirit in the Club's foundation was VV^illiam F. Read; 
the first President and incumbent of that office until th? present occupant, 
George W. Statzell, assumed the reins in 1907. Mr. Read contributed liber- 
ally toward the maintenance of the club until it reached the point at Which 
its membership placed its finances in a stable condition. Associated with 
him in the oundation of the Club, and upon whom largely rested the labor 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 45 



of inaug-uration, were William F, Read, Jr., N. B. Kelly and Joel Bailey 
Davis. These men, withj Wharton E. JJarris, J. R. i^incoln Edwaras and 
George W. Ca.rr, the Ciub charter otlicers, brought to the org-anization the 
prosperity it now enjoys. The club house is in fact an old residential seat 
built by Isaac T. Jones, and the original attractive home aspect has not 
been disturbed, and a^s a consequence the spot is invested with tlie physical 
environments and social characteristics ever so desirable in out-of-town 
life. The selection of t-he Jones estate proved to be a happy one. Within 
the Club's seventy-two acres of ground there is presented a most charm- 
ing variety of rural landscape. Directly back of the club-hous©, in a deep 
hollow, flow the waters of Darby Creek, and from tlie club verandahs and 
room windows Nature disports in her fairest and wildest moods, the eye 
resting upon and roving over vitas of woodland, meadow and stream. The 
Club forms the social centre of suburban Lansdowne, and is situated about 
one mile south of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station on Laaisdowne avenue. 
It is also regularly visited by members residing in conteuous suburbs plons^ 
the Central Division of the railroad, as well as by Philadelphia members. 
The premier sport of the club is golf, and the club is justly nroud of its 
beautiful course, which ranks as one of the finest in or around Philadelphia, 
It is a nine-hole course, 30C1 yards in length, and for the most part runs over 
rolling hill.s. No other club expends more care npon keeping its golf course 
in condition. The course is in charge of an energetic grounds commit- 
tee composed of Frank M. I^onp:streth. chairman. J. B. Gibb. W. H. Fol- 
^-ell. Jr.. R. W. Wistar and Frank M. Camp. For many of the members of the 
The premier snort of the club is g-olf, and the Club is justly proud of its 
beautiful course, which ranks as one of the finest in or around Philadel- 
phia. It is a nine-hole course. 3O01 yards in length, and for the most part 
runs over rolling hills. No other clnb expends more care upon keeping 
its g-olf course in condition. The coiirse is in charge of an enegetic grounds 
rommittee composed of Frank M. Camp. For many of the mebUers of the 
Club tennis is the major sport, and for this the Club has a. fine string of 
courts, newly constniQted and built in the most up-to-date fashion, to secure 
■speed and rapid drainage. In tennis the women of the Club have been 
particularly active, and among the best players in the Club m.ay be men- 
tioned Mrs. C. Fdwin Hunter. Mrs. Nathan F. Stauffer. Mrs. E. A. Sloan, 
tlie Misses Griffith. Hney, Walsh. Stauffer. Guilford, and Dongstreth. Hock- 
P"c is another branch of sport to which the women members are devotea. 
The Club is active at all seasons of the year Bridge parties, dinner parties, 
r'-ances. and all kinds of social entertainments are constantly being lield. 
The present officers of the Club are: President. George W. StatzeO; Vice 
President. ^V. Lane Verlejiden; Secretar>\ J. R. Lincoln Edwards: Treasurer, 
C. Wilfred Cunninj?liam; Governors, C. Edwin Hunter, William H. Folwell, 
Paul A. Griffith. J. Burnett Gibb, Walter E Hoag. W. Vernon PhiUios. 
Frank M. Longstreth. WTiarton E. Harris. Frank M. Camp, Harry E. John- 
son, Jules J. ICeenaiw George M, l^'^agoier. 



46 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 




LANSBOWNE PA&T AND PRESENT 47 



Union Athletic Association 



Since its organization, in 1S04, the Union Athletic Association has filled 
a, conspicuous place in the public and sporting- life of Lansdowne. Each 
recurring Memorial Day and Fourth of July has been the occasion of patriotic 
public exercises, held under the auspices of the Association, in which the 
orators of the day have been from the ranks of the Association's member- 
ship, and the citizens of Lansdowne have taken part with a high degree of 
satisfaction. Thegam es and field sports on the grounds on Union avenue 
north of McKinley avenue have afforded the youth of the Borough a splen- 
did opportunity for the development of physical skill and fostered a love for 
manly sports, while the monthly sessions of the Association have been 
a feature in local social circles. Its membership includes a high standard 
and broad range in the religious, professional, public and business life of 
the community, while its good fellowship is of the most sincere kind. 

The Association was organized on October 24, 1904, by the election of the 
following officers: 

President— Louis A. Warren. 

Vice President— William A. Leonard. 

Secretary-Treasurer— John C. Hines. 

Manager— Samuel H. Dyer. 

Captain— Isaac H. Rhoads. 
These officers served until November, 1907, when they were succeeded 
by the following officers 

President— Claude A. Simpler. 

Vice President— Robert Crawford. 

Secretary- Thomas J. Lindsey. 

Treasurer— Tliomas S. Bishop. 

Historian- Thomas J. Lindsey. 

Matiagei^Samuel H. Dyer. 

Vice Manager— William A. Leonard. 

Captain— Isaac H. Rhoads. 

Vice Captain— George F. Lewis. 
The Association has grounds for base ball, foot ball and beautifully ar- 
ranged tennis courts. An es.sential feature of the organization is the Junior 
Branch, composed of the sons and daughters of the members and such, 
others as are elected by ballot. When a lunior member reaches the age 
of twenty-one he is eligible to become a senior member on the payment of 
the fee and an election by unanimous ballot. 



i<sr23^ 



r 



48 



LANSDOWXE TAST AND PRE-SENT 



De La Salle Council, No. 590, Knights of Columbus 

De La Salle Council No. 550, Knights of 
Columbus, of Lansdowne, Pa., is the local 
branch of the greatest Catholic fraternal or- 
der in the United States. The Laasdowne 
Council numbers in its ranks mog.t of tha beoc 
known Catholic men in this section of Dela- 
ware County, and is constantly adding to it^ 
membership. The Council was founded oy John 
V .Loughney, who was elected its first Grand 
Knight. Its formation was the result of meet- 
ings held during the months, of May and June, 
1901, and its institution occurred on June 25, 
l&Ol, since which time it has enjoy e-d unusual 
prosperity. 

The Charter members of the Council 
are as follows: 

Joseph P. Brown, John B. Comber, Al- 
bert J. Crawford, John Conway, Edward L. 
Donnelly, Bernard Doherty. John P. Gallagher,, 
Bernard A. Gallagher, Thomas Gaffney, John 
Hefner, John Harley, Thomas- Hughes, Sr., 
Thomas Hughes, Jr., William F. Hughes, 
Samuel J. Johnston, Andrew B. Kean, Murthat 
J. Kelly, John V. Loughney, Rev. Francis J. 
Markee, George Marlow, Edward J. Mingey, Louis J. Meyer, Daniel D. Mul- 
lin, John J. Manley, John T. Mulligan, Alexander J. Morris, Cornelius Mc- 
Cullough, Dr. John A, McKenna, Charles B. McGonigle, James J. McCul- 
lough, Patrick J. McCuUough. Bernard McDevitt, John F, R, McDevitt, 
Michael J. Nolan, Joh^ J. Nolan, John I. Nolan, James L. Ryan, Charles 
J. Ryan, John C. Schappet, Thomas J. Sullivan, Milner B. Sharkey, Bene- 
dict L. Sharkey, William Sinnott, Jr., and Charles Tete, Jr. 




John V. Loughney. 



Among those who have entered the Council since its institution and wha 
are active in its affair.^ are:^ James Jordan, John J. Sullivan, Rev. William 
J. Lallou, Thomas M, Fitzgerald, James F. Gallagher, Thomas A. Dougherty, 
Thomas Manley, George J. Haenn, Thomas J. Lindsay, Henry J. Crowley, 
William Bruton, Michael Barrow, John McCormick, Harrj^ J. Farren, Wil- 
liam A. Jordan, Prank Manley, James Burdsall, John Roche. Daniel Barrow, 
Anthony Hefner, James Connor and Thomas J. Brown. 

Mr. Loughney's successors as executive of the Council include, in the 
order named, Michael J. Nolan, Dr. John A. McKenna and Etlward J. Min- 
gey, Mr. Mingey being the present Incumoent, The Council owns the 
handsome building which it occupies at No. 14 E. Baltimore Avenue, through 
the De La Salle Association, formed for that purpose, of which Joseph 
M. Albright is President. The interior of the building was thoroughly over- 
hauled during the year 1908, the changes embracing provision for commo- 
dious, richly equipped and cosy library, reading' and reception quarters. The 
public entertainments given under the auspices of the Council, from time 
to time, invariably include the best available talent and are uniformly 
popular and successful. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



40 




KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CLUB HOuS*:, E. BALTIMORE AVE, 
Headquarters De La Salle Council, No. 590, 



Lansdowne Natural History Club 

President John D. Carter, of the Lansdowne Natural History Club, or- 
ganized November 10, 1892, gave the follow. ng- interesting- sketch of tne orjan- 
ization's beginning; 

About fifteen (15) years ag-o a series of L'niversity Extesion lectures con- 
cluded by one on Botany by Dr. John M. Macfarland. Taking advantage 
of the evident interest aroused in this way, a class in Botany met for some 
time at the home of Thomas P. and Rebecca S. Conard, under the leadership 
of Dr. Macacfarland. The membership increased and the interests became 
more diversified, so that the present club is a direct outgrowth of tne 
class in Botany. During following years the Club has held its regular 
meetings at private house or in public halls, as opportunity offered. A 
great variety of subjects have been discussed, both by members of the 
club and by others invited to make addresses. Eighty-three (83) names 
are now on the membership roll. The officers of the Club are: President, 
John D. Carter; Vice Presidents, Thomas P. Conard and Sarah P. Mar- 
shall; Secretary, Walter Rhoads White; Treasurer, Benjamin H. Shoe- 
maker, 3rd. 



50 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



Lansdowne Republican Club. 

The Lansdowne Republican Club was or- 
ganized in 1898, and was incorporated June 5, 
1899, by decree of Judge Thomas J. Clayton,';, 
the incorporators being J. Herbert OgCTen, Nath- 
an D. Bartram, Wm. S, Dunlap, Isaac P. Gar- 
rett, Robert Gilfillan, Harry Hibbitt, William 

E. Hinkson, Edwin B. J-,ewis, Joseph L. Low- 
den, Emlen C. Paul, Edward F. Pearson, John 
M. Ridings, William H. Ryan, Richardson 
Shoemaker, William C. Smith, Henry Statzell, 
James T. Stewart, Harold B Stiles, Tammany 
B. Street, George W. Thorpe, John H. Tighe, 
John P. Underbill, Morley Underbill, Matth.w 
T. Vandever, Charles M. Wagner, and Warren 

F. Ware. After organization in 1898 the Club 
rented for its quarters a large parlor in the 
Lansdowne Villa. The lease for the room 
having expired prior to the summer of 1900, 
the meetings of the Club were suspended until 
October of that year when a reorganization 
was effected, and the present commodious 
quarters on the "West side of South Lansdowne 
Avenue were rented for a term of years, and 
fully fitted up and furnished. The officers 
elected to serve for the first year after incor- 
poration were: President, John M. Ridings, 
First Vice-President, J. Herbert Ogden; Se- 
cond Vice-President, Henry C. Statzell; Se- 
cretary, W^illiam C. Smith; Treasurer, Charles 
M. Wagner; Directors, Joseph L. Lowden, John 

H. Tighe, Tammany P. Street, William S. Dunlap, James T. Stewart. The 
officers in 1908-1909 are: President, Fred Taylor Pusey; First Vice-President. 
J. Herbert Ogden; Second Vice-President, Richardson Shoemaker; Secre- 
tary, Edwin B. Lewis; Treasurer, Jno. W. Davis; Financial Secretary, 
James T. Stewart; Assistant Financial Secretary, Roger T. Nichols. 




Hon. Fred Taylor Pusey. 

Solicitor, 

Boro. of Lansdowne. 

Ex-Member Pennsylva,nia 

State Legislature. 

President, Lansdowne 

Republican Club 



Neighbors' Club. 



The oldest club in Lansdowne is the Neighbors' Club, organized Febru- 
ary 4, 1896, which has been active during the last thirteen years. The ob- 
jects of the Club are "social intercourse between its members and the 
discussion of topics of general interest." The Club's first officers were: 
President, Charles M. Corbin; Vice-President, E. E. Rankin; Secretary and 
Treasurer, Harley B. Nichols. Meetings are held monthly throughout the 
year, July and August excepted, at the homes of its members, each mem- 
ber being the host in his turn. The Club has many active standing 
committees elected annually. A Club banquet is given each year to the 
members, and to their families several entertainments are given. Mem- 
bershin is limited and is now compelte. The Club has a mailing list. While 
the Neighbors' Club is unassuming, it has, nevertheiless, accomplished 
much good work in the Borough, the membership being composed of re- 
presentative citizens and leading business men who all move together in 
the righet neighborly spirit. The Club officers for the year 1908 are: Har- 
ley B. Nichols, President; Alex. M Brown, Vice-President; William S. 
Haines, Secretary; Walter L. Webb, Treasurer, 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 51 



Twentieth Century Club of Lansdowne. 

The Twentieth Century Club represents the best there is in Lansdowne's 
social, civic and philanthropic life, while it stands for art and literature 
in their choicest forms. It has given frequent public evidences of a desire 
to advance the various objects of the organization in a way that h^as 
made it a valuable adjunct to the State Federation of Women's Clubs 
and the membership includes women of the highest cultur and social stand- 
ing m the cummunity. The Club was organized December 11 1897 and in 
January 1899, was admitted to the State Federation. In the 'eleven years 
of existence it has had six Presidents as follows: 

Mrs. Benjamin Hallowell— 1897 to 1899 

Mrs. Matthiew H. Cryer— 1899 to 1901. " 

Mrs. Edward C. Kirk— 1001 to 1902. 

Mrs. Nathaniel S. Keay— 1902 to 1905. 

Mrs. Seymour Eaton— 1905 to 1908. 

Mrs. Henry T. Kent— 1908 to . 

The officers for the present year are as follows: 

President — Mrs. Henry T. Kent. 

First Vice-President — Mrs. Robert F. Irwin. 

Second Vice-President— Mrs. X. Byrne Dougherty. 

Corresponding Secretary— Mrs. Harley B. Nichols. 

Recording Secretary— Mrs. Walter L. Webb. 

Federation Secretary— Mrs. Frank M. Camp. 

Treasurer — Mrs. Edward R. Fackler. 
The motto of the Club is— "Give to the World the best you have and the 
best will come back to you." 



Lansdowne Minstrels. 

The Lansdowne Minstrels is a club organized by a number of young 
men of Lansdowne in the early part of 1906, the intention being, according 
to the programme announced, to make it a permanent organization giving 
entertainments and take-offs of the happenings in the Borough. The first 
show was given May 26 and 27, 1906, the sketch being "A Burieque Meet- 
ing" of the "Lansdowne Council". The second annual performance was 
given March 1 and 2, 1907, the chief sketch beinw entitled "Lansdowne 
Doings". Being a Variegated Assortment of Every Day Life in The Good 
Old Borough. Another skit given being styled "Seeing Lansdowne in The 
Rubber Wag-on." The third annual perfomance was given December 6 and 
and 7, 1907, and presented two burlesques, "Great Post Office Robbery" or 
Have a Stamp on Me, and "Fool Days and Mule Dogs" in the Old Lans- 
downe School. The fourth annual performance was given December 3 4 and 
5, 1908, the main burlesque being "The Thrilling Tragedy Curbs and Gutters 
or Council's Latest Horrible Mistake"; another presentation naving been 
a skit styled "Salomy Dance." A list of officers and members includes: 
C. Edwin Hunter, President and Treasurer; F. Rees Philips. Vice-resiPent; 
Ralph L. Hays, Secretary; Clarence De Armond. Horace Hafleigh, Harry 
L. Henrv, Thomas M. Longcope. Jr., Harold Ogden, Henry B. Quinn, Mau- 
rice Saul, William Taylor, Charles McGuire, John H .B. Collins. Fred 
Kelly, Rollin Meyers, ^Villiam S. Pickard, Frank E. Sagendroph, 3rd, Robert 
Taylor, John J. H. Phillips, Philip Cody, Frank Eaton, Robert Hunter, 
Frank Moorshead. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



Some of the Men Who Have Helped to 
Butid Lansdowne. 



Capt. Robert Crawford 

Robert Crawford, Chief Burg:es^s of the 
Borough of Lansdowne^ was born in Scotland, 
was appointed from Pennsylvania as Third 
Assistant Engineer (Midshipman) Ljnited Sta.es 
Mavy, January 23, liibS; was advanced to Se- 
cond Assistant Engineer (Master), July 25. ISco; 
became First Assistant Engineer (L,ieutenan > 
February 20, 1874; was made Passeu Assistant 
Engineer (Lieutenant) Februarq 24, 1874. n- 
structor in engineering branches tn the Naval 
Academy, 18fc9-lS73 and 187g-1S78; on duty at 
Spring Garden- Institute, Philadelphia (by or- 
der of the Navy I>epartm.ent), organizing Man- 
ual Training as a new feature of the work of 
the school, 1882-1885; organizer and s-upennLen- 
dent of the first Manual Training School of 
Philadelphia, 1885-1887; organizer and superin- 
tendent of the Williamson PYee School oi 
Mechanical Traues, Delaware County, Pa.;, 
builder and organizer of Reform. School to • 
Boys and School of Agricultural and Industrial 
Arts for Boys of Cuba., 1900-1902; retired f -•( m 
U. S, Navy, January SO 1892. Now on inspec- 
tion duty for the Bureau of Steam Engineer- 
ing, U. S. Navy, as assistant to the Inspec- 
tor of Machinery at Cramp's Shipyard. 
Philadelphia. Promoted to grade of Chief 
Engineer, with rank of Lieutenant-Commander, June 29, 190O. Capt. Craw- 
ford was elected a member of the Borough Council in 1903, and was elected 
Chief Burgess in 1906. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of t'h's 
Lansdowne Free Library, and. a Director of the La:nsdowne Civic Associa- 
tion. He is prominently identified with many clubs and organizations. He 
is also a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order 
of the Loyal Legion. The Borough has no more loyaC or highly esteemed 
citizen than Capt. Crawford, who is ever actively concerned in every 
m-ovement aiming at local u-plift and development. 




Capt. Robert Crawford. 

U. S. N., Retired. 

Chief Burgess of 

Lansdowne 



Hon, Fred Tayfar PmneT' 

Hon. Fred Tiaylor Pusey was bom in Philadelphia, Pa., June Z', ISTL 
His early education was had in the publixj schools of Chegter County, iMs 
being supplemented by attendance alt the Friends' Central School, Phila- 
delphia,, from which he was graduated in 188Z. Mr. Pusey located in Del- 
aware County in 1888, residing on a farm at Lima, Middletown lownshipv 
and settled in Lansdowne in 1895. He studied law and was admitted t& 
the Philadelphia bar in February, 1894, and is- also a member of the Dela- 
ware County bar, being also an active and successful practitioner in the 
courts of both counties. He has been admitted to practfce before tft© 
Superior and Supreme Courts of the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Pusey has 
been active in the National Guard of Pennsylvania for many years, having- 
been Ad.iutant of the First Regiment during 1906 and 1907. when he was? 
appointed an. Aide on the Staff of. Governor Stuart with, the rank, of Lieu.- 



LAXSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



53 



tenant-Colonel. He is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and 
many other clubs ana organizations, ueing at this time President of tne 
Lansdowne KepuDlican Club. He was elected to the House of Kepresen- 
taiives of the totate Legislature in iyi»2, and re-elected in I9a4, serving aur- 
ing th^e sessions of 19^^, 19Uo, and special session of iyii3, and auring his 
stay in the Legislature was sponser for much valuable legislation that 
found a place in the statute books. He was Borough Solicitor in Ib99-19o0, 
and was again elected in 19l8 to discharge the auties of the same oince 
for a period of three years. 

Colonel Pusey is really at the starting point of a life career. Brief as 
has been his appearance as a public man, he has crowded into the period a 
continuous series of substantial professional and public achievements of the 
highest order. Devoid of ostentation, ever accessible and receptive. Colonel 
Pusey is the ideal type of public man of the hour. In all that he under- 
takes, in every cause he espouses, he brings a profound enthusiasm and 
charm of personal magnetism that have won -or him a most enviable 
place in the esteem of hiis fellow citizens. For all that reiatesi to Bor- 
ough advancement, he has ever been a fearless, open and capable champion. 
Few young men have so early in life secured so many substantial prizes 
in public accomplishment, and it is fair to assume that the future will tind 
Colonel Pusey still further advanced in public relations. 



Hon. John Milton Lutz. 



The subject of the following brief sketchy the Hon. John Milton Lutz, 
resides on the Pike, in Upper Darby Township, and has for years been 
actively identified as a property owner and otherwise, with the interests of 
Lansdowne Borough, where he is g'eneia'ly 
known and held in highest esteem. Mr. Lutz 
was born in Ambler, Montgomery County, Pa-, 
October 18, 1857; removed to Philadelphia in 
18G3, and was educated in the public schools 
of that city and Delaware County. He is 
Vice-President and one of the organizers of 
the First National Bank of Clifton Heights; 
has been a school director of Upper Darby 
Township since 1883, and Secretary of the 
School Board for several years. Mr. Lutz 
was chairman of the Republican County Com- 
mittee from 1890 to 1897; served as Director 
of the Poor and Treasurer of the Board during 
1905 and 1906. He was elected to the House 
of Representatives of the Pennsylvania S.ate 
Legislature in November 1906, Mr. Lutz is a mai? 
in the full vigor of life, and has attained signal 
success through purely personal effort. He 
possesses in the highest degree the qualities 
that go to constitute noble and admirable 
manhood. He takes a prominent and active 
part in church work, contributes financially 
and by personal activity to all movements, 
public or private, aiming at the betterment 
of the conditions of his fellow-men, and 
w'ithal is loyal to his friendships. Lansdowne 
is, indeed, fortunate in having as a friend and 
supporter a man of such ripe experience, sterling character, and good 
judgment. ,^ 




Hon. J. Milton Lutz, 
Ex-Member Pennsylvania 

State Legislature. 
A^ice-President, First Na- 
tional Bank, of Clifton 
Heights. 



54 LANSDOWNE PAST ASD PRESENT 



John Herbert Ogden. 

John Herbert Ogden has been a resident of Lansdowne for upwards of 
twenty-two years. His parents were John Worrall and Hannah (Rhoads) 
Og-den. His paternal grandfather, for whom he was named, was John 
Ogden. The Ogdens are members of one of Delaware County's oldest and 
most highly esteemed families. "Herbert" Ogden's early education was in 
the public schools. Later he attended the Friends' School at Providence, 
R. I. Subsequently he took a course in a Philadelphia business college. 
In 1S70 he entered the service of the Sharpless Dyewood and Extract Co., m 
which his promotion was rapid until he became a director and stockholder. 
This Company is now known as the American Dye Works, the foremost 
enterprise of the kind in the country. In 1900 Mr. Ogden was a delegate 
to the Na.tional Convention held in Philadelphia, at which the late William 
McKinley was nominated for the residency. He was married to Louise 
Passmore, of Paschalville, October 20, 1886. He is a member of the Union 
League of Philadelphia, and is First Vice-President, and was one of tne 
incorporators of the Lansdowne Republican Club. He is a prominent mem- 
ber of the Lansdov/ne Country Club, and many other well known social, 
business and athletic organizations. Mr. Ogden's square-dealing tendencies, 
unvarying liberality, unostentations, philanthropy, and unswerving loyalty 
to friends and local interests, have combined to make him one of the most 
popular and highly esteemed men residents in Lansdowne, and these same 
splendid personal qualities have endeared him to all who have met him. He 
believes in Lansdowne, and is ever in the front rank of every movement 
aimed at advancing Borough interests in any direction. 



Hon. Isaac Price Garrett. 

In presenting mention of the Hon. Isaac Price Garrett. Postmaster at 
Lansdowne, which office he has held continuously since his appointment 
on July 8, 1897, it is considered a distinct contribution is made to the 
history of the Borough's prominent citizens who have materially aided 
in the promotion and maintenance of its general betterment aind deve- 
lopment ever since its corporate inception. Mr. Garrett was born at 
Stanton, New Castle County, Delaware, August 4, 1844, and was the son 
of Benjamin and Mary Carrett. In September, 1849, Mr. Garrett removed 
to Upper Darby, residing on a farm containing about ninety acres, the 
tract being now occupied by the cemetery of the Arlington Cemetery 
Company. He remained on the farm until' 1890, when he removed to his 
present cosy home on North Lansdowne avenue. Until his thirteenth 
year Mr. Garrett attended the public schools of Upper Darby, and then 
spent four and one-half years at Westtown Friends' Boarding School, 
Chester County. After leaving this institution Mr. Garrett, as already 
intimated, devoted a number of years to agricultural life on the LTpper 
Darby farm. At the age of 21 he was elected a delegate to the Republican 
County Convention, and later was elected a member of the Repviblican 
County Executive Committee for Upper Darby Township, an office he held 
for sixteen consecutive years. Mr. Garrett was a senatorial delegate 
for Delaware County to the State Convention at Harrisburg, Pat, at the 
time the county delegates were instructed to vote for national deilegates 
pledged to vote for the late Hon. James G. Blaine for President. He was 
a delegate to the State Convention the following year, with instructions 
to vote for Samuel Butler, father of the Hon. Thomas S. Butler, for 
State Treasurer. In 1876 and 1877 Mr. Garrett was Super\'isor of Upper 
Darby Township. He was a member of the State Central Committee 
in 1880. In 1881 he was elected from the Eastern District of Delaware Coun- 
ty to the State Legislature, for the unexpired term of the Hon. Nathan 
Garrett, deceased, and was also elected for the term of 1889-1900. He re- 
signed his seat in the Legislature n August, 1889, to assume the duties 



LAXSDOWXE PAST AivD PRESENT 



of Cashier of the Philadelphia Custom House, where he remained for four 
years and eight months. He was elected a member of the School Board 
of Upper Darby Township in 18S1, occupying the presidency during- the 
seven years previous to incorporation of the present Borough of Lans- 
downe, when he resigned from the Upper Darby Board and was elected 
to the Borough Board, and has served as President of the latter since 
its creation. Mr. Garrett is a descendent of The original Garretts, William 
and his wife, Ann, and several children, who came to America from 
Leicestershire, England, in 1C84, and settled in Upper Darby in 1685. Mr. 
CfiKtl' s ,ia1heri "v\£s^ ic'in in 1791, his grandfather in 1748, and his great- 
grandfather in 1720. On November 12, 1868, the subject of this sketch was 
married at Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., to Sarah Emlen Bell, of 
Bloomington, Illinois. By this union there were three children two of whom 
are deceased, the remaining child being a married daughter, Mrs. James 
A. Kell, who resides in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Garrett is a 
man of sterling qualities. His long and varied relations with all phases 
of local life have placed him in the front rank of active and progressive 
citizenship. He enjoys widespread popularity and esteem, and no towns- 
man has been more closely, continuously, or intelligently identified with 
Borough affairs than he. 



James T. Stewart. 

If any man ever attained genuine popularity, in the highest sense of 
the term, among his fellowmen, and particularly among his fellow towns- 
men, the subject of this sketch, James T. Stewart, is one of the men in 
that category. He is the real type of true American citizen, and the real 
type of loyal and progressive townsman. He is the maamer of citizen 
who will always exert his influence on the side of justice, of morality, of 
law and order, and in keeping with the best interests and with the honor 
and dignity of his home town. Steadfast and prompt in business inter- 
course, alert and willing to assist through his meaais and influence in 
every good enterprise, and yet withal retiring and unobtrusive, he com- 
bines in his dispositon rare and valued qualities which make him ev%ry 
inch a man. Mr. Stewart came to Lansdowne in June, 1893, and has been 
actively identified with evevy step of borough growth since that time. He 
has always been devoted, in business, to the textile industry'. In this 
field he served a long and faithful apprenticeship, mastering every essen- 
tial detail. In the prosecution of knowledge therein he was a student 
of the Philadelphia Textile School, Broad and Pine streets, Philadelphia, 
and is now a member of the Advisory Committee of that widely known 
institution. Starting in a subordinate way Mr. Stewart rose until he 
became the President of the Caledonia Mills Company, of Clifton Heights, 
a contiguous borough, and in the latter part of 1938 hs ascended higher 
and became the proprietor of the mills. He is President of the i-.ans- 
downe Fire Company, a prominent member and officer of the Lansdowne 
Republican Club, a member of the Lansdowne School Board, also of the 
Board of Trustee of the Lansdowne Free Public Library-, and a director 
of the Lansdowne Civic Association, and is, besides, identified with a 
number of other prominent organizaticns. Socially Mr. Stewart^ is a 
prince of entertainers, ranking as one of the best local raconteurs. In 
his relaties with his fellow man he is uniformly candid and fair. He is 
ain approachable man, and at all times a frank and plain spoken man. 
Mr. Stewart has a deep and abiding faith in Lansdowne's future, and 
believes in the advocacy of the recognized interests of the majority. No 
citizen has done more to promote the development of the borough, and 
none has displayed a more intelligent,, energetic, and continuous activity 
in sustaining every movement that had for its aim the uplift and better- 
ment of the borough. 



5G 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



A. Culver Boyd, Esq. 



One of the rising young men of Lansdowne is A. Culver Boyd, Esq., 
son of the Rev. William Boyd, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 
of the Borough. Mr. Boyd*has been a resident of the Borough since 

1893. Apart from preliminary educational 
advantages enjoyed in public and private 
schools, Mr. Boyd graduated from the col- 
lege department of Princeton University, 
and from the law school of the University 
of Pennsylvania. He early applied himself 
to the study of law, and is now a well 
known and successful practitioner at the 
bars of Philadelphia and Delaware Coun- 
ties. He is a Director of the Trades- 
men's Trust Company, of Philadelphia. 
He has always taken an active part in club 
life in the borough, having been Vice-Pre- 
sident of the Lansdowne Republican Club, 
of which organization he is now a Direc- 
tor, being a member of the well known 
Neighbors' Club and Vice-President of 
the Lansdowne Civic Association. Mr, Boyd 
was elected a member of the Borough 
Council in 1908 and was appointed chairman 
of the Ordinance Committee of that body, 
which is one of the most important of the 
councilmanic committees. He is devoted 
to athletics and out-door sports and exer- 
cise. His name is always prominently identified with all movements look- 
ing to the uplift of the Borough. 




A. Culver Boyd, Esq., 
Chairman, Ordina>nce Com- 
mittee, Boro. Council. 



Frank Thomas Davis. 



Frank T. Davis, Sr., Pre'sident of the Lansdowne Civic Association, 
has been a resident of Lansdowne for about twelve years. Mr. Davis ac- 
quired his early education in thepublic schools, following this up with 
terms at Shortledge's Academy and the State Normal School. When scarcely 
emerged from his "teens" Mr. Davis started out to make his own way in the 
world. Among the early experiences of his training for business were con- 
nection with a national bank, a western sojourn, and the re-indexing of the 
old records that were made when Chester and Delaware County were one, 
extending from 1680 to 1880. Upon the completion of the latter important 
and onerous task in 1884, Mr. Davis became identified with the Phoenix 
Bridge Company as its Treasurer, a position he has ever since held. Mr. 
Davis has served as Chief Burgess and a member of Council of the Bor- 
ough, and is now serving as a member of the I^ansdowne School Board. 
He is a member of the Manufacturer's Club of Philadelphia. He is re- 
cognized as one of the Borough's foremost citizens, and is one of its 
staunchest and most consistent supporters. He is a fine type of self-made 
man, and enjoys the fullest confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen. 



LAKSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



Richardson Shoemaker. 

There is not a resident in the Borough of Lansdowne a citizen who 
has done more in a substantial way toward the upbuilding- of the locality 
than Richardson Shoemaker, the proprietor of the well known Lansdowne 

Storage Warehouse and Livery Stables on 
W. Baltimore avenue, who has been located in 
the immediate vicinity for over a quarter of 
a century. When it is stated that Mr. Shoe- 
maker built the first roadways, laid the first 
pavements, and constructed the first main 
seM er system, further comment is unneces- 
sary. No man has become more thoroughly 
interested with the life and welfare of the 
community than he. Although yet a young' 
man, he has attained a full measure of de- 
served business success and won a permanent 
place in the high esteem of his fellow towns- 
men. Mr. Shoemaker grew up to his present 
business. From 18S3 to 1892 he was a clerk 
in the lumber yard office of J. Alfred Bar- 
tram, which was located where the present 
Hoopes lumber yard now stands, at Balti- 
more and Union avenues. While in the em- 
ploy of Mr. Bartram the subject of this 
sketch started in the livery business, at Bar- 
tram Lodge, in 1889, and at the same time 
inaugurated the stags line running to and from 
the railroad station this line having been con- 
ducted continuously ever since. It originated 
fbr the purpose of carrying summ<^r nipsts to 
and from the Bartram Lodge which at that time 
was occupied by Mr. Shoemaker's mother as a 
suburban summer apartment house. The Bar- 
tram Lodge, which was torn down in 1908 to 
make room for modern improvements, was 
built in the year 1800, the stable on the premises having been erected in 1799. 
Mr. Shoemaker resided in the lodge for three years, 1889 to 1892. removing 
in the latter year to th property at the corner of Baltimore and Lansdowne 
avenues now owned and occupied by Dr. John A. Mclvenna. Mr. Shoemaker 
owns considerable valuable real estate, improved and unimproved, in all 
parts of the borough. He built the houses at Nos. 93 and 98 Nyack avenue 
in 1885 and thehouse in which Charles Janvier resides No. 30 Elberon avenue, 
in 1888, and is the owner of the property occupied by the Crucible Steel 
Casting Company, S. Union avenue and the Railroad. Mr. Shoemaker is a 
lover of horses, and alwaj'S keens his stables stocked with the best of 
horse flesh. He has never been an aspirant for political ofl^ce, but served 
as (Judge of Election in tbe borough during th ten years 1892 to 1902, inclu- 
sive. There is no better known or more popular man in the borough. He 
enjoys a most enviable reputation for square dealing, and rigidly pursues 
that policy in all his relations both in business and socially. Mr. Shoe- 
maker is an eminently practical man. His business conceptions and meth- 
ods are solidly founded and have been carefully cultivated. In him Lans- 
downe has a loval citizen, a public-siprited townsman, a successful and 
progressive business man, and a resident who is ever striving to intelligent- 
Iv promote the best interests of the borough in all directions. 




Richardson Shoemaker, 
Liveryman and 
Warehouseman. 



58 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 




William C. tohuster,Jr. 
Contractor and Buider. 

Real Estate Operator 
Member of Boro. Council. 



William C. Shuster, Jr. 

In actual life we want things done, not preparations for doing them, and 
We naturally admire the man who has definite aims and purposes and pro- 
ceeds in the straightest and shortest way to accomplish his objects. That 13 

why William C. Shuster, Jr., in his early thir- 
ties, stands out, in borough affairs, as a con- 
spicuous figure, a citizen and business 
nian of pronounced attainments and perform- 
ances. He has been a resident of Lansdowne 
smce May, 1S94. In the first years of his resi- 
dence he was in the employ of John S. Wilson, 
the well known local builder, and while thus 
engaged mastered the aetails of the business 
and eventually established a business of his 
own, and in a few years became known far 
and wide as a builder of artistic and beauti- 
ful suburban homes. In the conduct of his 
business he operates his own manufacturing 
plant, on S. Lansdowne avenue, where also he 
has an office. He is practically the originator 
of the strictly modern suburban detached 
home, and he has built over a hundred of 
these charming and complete homes in all 
sections of the borough, whole rows of them 
in some quarters. These homes range in cost 
from $4,000 to $10,000 each. This is tantamount 
to stating, that Mr. Shuster, in those beauti- 
ful residences, has given to Lansdowne mod- 
ern, up-to-date improvements approximating a round million of dollars. So 
popular have become this style of home that the houses built by the sub- 
ject of this sketch are proudly designated as "The Shuster Type," which 
is locally synonymous with "the best type," Mr. Shuster is a large owner 
of unimproved property in the borough. AVith T. Ellwood Bartram and 
J. Henry Bartram, two well known citizens, he is part owner of what is 
considered the most beautiful tract in Lansdowne, known as Lansdowne 
Court, on S. Lansdowne avenue, adjoining the railroad station. This pro- 
perty was formerly a part of the estate of Col. Thomas A. Scott, deceased, 
President of the Pnnsylvania Railroad Company, and consists of sixteen 
acres of beautiful rolling grounds with fine old shade trees, rare shrub- 
bery, and artistically designed landscape gardening. This property is as- 
sessed at about $4S,000,but has a re ail value that approaches close to $75,0.0. S3V- 
eral beautiful homes have already been built on the tract. It also contams 
"The Devonshire," a fine mansion, originally erected by Col. Scott at much 
expense, and which has been renovated and convrted into an up-to-date 
apartment house, the owner, William A. McEwen, having full control of the 
management. Mr. £huster lives up to the statement that "Time is gold; 
throw not one manute away, but i:ilace each one to account." In 1908 Mr. 
Shuster was elected to membershp in Ihe Borough Council, for a term of three 
yeairs. His public career has been marked thoroughout by unwonted ac- 
tivity and intelligent enterprise. In no direction has he evidenced more 
good judgment than in his consistent and unwavering devotion to the work 
of giving his fellow townsmen flrst-c:ass highways, both as to sewers, 
drains, roadways and sidewalks. He is inalienably wedded to borough wel- 
fare and uplift, and can be depended upon to do all in his power to ad- 
vance borough interests along all avenues of development and improvement. 



LANSDOWNe past and PKEgENT 



50 




W. F'fdnk E:rigfish« 

The offifcifel li^e bt W. Frank Efig-lish, as a member* of the Borough 
Council, and particularly as Chairman of the Highway Committee of Coun- 
cil, durihg the year 160S alone eiititlef? him to the highest encomiums of the 
citizens Of Lansdowne. The outcome of his 
imc^asing- official performances during the 
Vear hi dUe^tiOrl showed conclusively that 
Work aftd occupation had become neces- 
sary for his comfort and happiftei^s. He de- 
Voted hig time atld a.bility almost eiCclusively 
to the deVising and executing' of plans fOr the 
improVemeht Of borOugh highyways in all 
directions. Ejitehded Service and varied eX- 
periettce as a muneipal officer specially 
equipped him for the big task he not Only 
essayed but successfully carried out. Mr. 
English came to La.nsd.Owne in its village 
era, Oil October 15, 18^7. ^ He resides In the 
historic Plumstead mansion, located on the 
avenue of the same name. Although a prom- 
inent and successful business man, he has 
found time, during the twenty-one years he 
has resided in the community, to serve his 
fellow townsmen as Chief Burgess and as 
Councilman, and his public Sel-vice is marked 
throuerhout with monuments of effective ac- 
complishments in furtherance of public good 
and municipal advancement. Mr. English has 
been a member of the Board of Trustees of the 
Lansdowne Methodist Episcopal Church ever 
^ince the Church was organized. It was at his 
Suggestion that the church secured and located a,t its- present very desir- 
able place. Mr, English has served on all the committees of Council, at 
various times, but has given the public the best service during the year 
1908 as Chairman of the Highway Committee. In this capacity he originated 
and introduced what has since been styled a "system of borough highway 
improvements.' In short, he, after carefully studying all phases of the local 
highwa,y Situation and after repeated conferences with fellow councilmen 
and well informed fellow townsmen, inaugurated a system of roadway, 
sidewalk, SeWer, and drainage, improvement, which when carried out uni- 
formly, will place the borough in the front rank as a model community in 
the matter of highway conditions. Mr. English possesses the conragp of his 
own convictions. He perseveres in the face of discouragement when he 
becomes convinced he is right. In the faCe of adverse opinion, he. after de- 
termining Upon a plan of work for borough uplift, stood faithfully, loyally, 
and conscientiously at his post, and indefatigably promoted every detail 
essential to proper consummation of the undertaking. Al^-eadv the splendid 
r?sult§ offered by W y of tX^erlmental c emoitraticn are acco •d'^d du p ais ; 
by citizens conversant with local needs. No citizen of Lansdowne hPi« de- 
voted more earnest and intelligent consideration to the borough's condition 
and the borough's needs. He is a Arm believer in Lansdowne'S future de- 
velopment. 



W. Frank English, 
Chairman, Highway Com- 
mittee, Borough Council. 
Manufacturer. 



Gedf^e W. Statzell. 



George W. Statzeii, one of Lansdowne's most progressive and promi- 
nent citizens, was born at Philadelphia, in lO, and Settled in Lansdowne 
in 1S94. Mr. Statzell recenth- retired from active business, and is now en- 
gaged in improving one of his properties in the northern section of the 
borough, known as the "Anderson Tract," containing about 22 acres of 
ground, 



GO 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



Dr. John Albert McKenna. 

Dr. John Albert McKenna is one of the most popular and widely known 
of the rising- young- men of the Borough of Lansdowne. He has won distinct 
success both as a medical practitioner and public official. Dr. McKenna 

came to Lansdowne in the Fall of 
1S99. After a g-ood preliminary educa- 
tion had been obtained, he entered 
the Medical-Chirurg-ical College, 
Philadelphia, and graduated from 
that institution in 1897. In his pro- 
fession career have been crowded 
the following importan fields of ac- 
tivity: Instructor in Surgery and 
Chief of Surgical Clinic. Medical- 
Chirurgical Colleg-e. Assistant Sur- 
g-eon to Medico-Chirurgical and 
American Stomach Hospitals, Phil- 
adelphia. Former Resident Surg-eon 
Medico-Chi Hospital, and Acting As- 
tant Surgeon, United States Army, 
Camp Alg-er, Va., 1898. Member of 
the Philadelphia County Medical So- 
ciety, Philadelphia. Pathological So- 
ciety, Philadelphia Medical Club, and 
American Medical Society. Dr. Mc- 
Kenna early won distinction in the 
field of metrouolitan journalism, and 
is now engag-ed upon a medical work 
of great interest and worth to his 
profession, in the preparation of 
which he has devoted considerable 
time and extended study and re- 
search. He has long been a mem- 
ber of the Borough Council, and during his incumbency has served on 
practically all of that body's committees. Dr. McKenna is a prominent 
member of De La Salle Council, Knights of Columbus, of Lansdowne, and 
is prominently and actively identified with all movements looking- to the 
uplift of Lansdowne. 




Dr. John A. McKenna. 
[ember of Borough Council. 



John Carl Hilbert. 



John Carl Hilbert, the popular and efficient Station Ag-ent of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Compajiy, at Lansdowne, was born at Buffalo, 
N. Y., in 18fcl, and was educated in the public schools of that city. About 
1880 he removed to Philadelphia to study telegraphy, entering the ser- 
vice of the Railroad Company for that purpose. At first he was issign- 
ed to Morton Station in a clerical capacity, remaining: there about three 
months, when he was transferred to West Chester, where he stayed two 
years as freight clerk and operator, and at the expiration of that period 
Was given the position of Station Agent at Burmont, where he remained 
until transferred to Lansdowne on April 1, 1888. Mr. Hilbert has served 
as Postmaster in Lansdowne and at present is Borough Real Estate Asses- 
sor and one of the Borough A.uditors. He is a man of sterling character, 
and has discharged with fidelitv and thoroughness the duties of all posts, 
public or private, to which he" has been either elected or appointed. He 
IS a firm believer in and upholder of Borough interests. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



61 



C. Edwin Hunter. 

One of La^iisdowne's most prominent citizejis, although young in shears, 
is C Edwin Hunter. Mr. Hunter was born in Philadelphia, July 11, 18S0, 

and was educated in public and pri- 
vate schools. He started in the real 
estate business, in which field he has 
won signal success, at the age of 17, 
and up to the time of starting in 
business for himself, in 1904, had 
been connected with several of Phil- 
adelphia's largest and best known 
real estate concerns. At the organi- 
zation of the Philadelphia & West- 
ern Railroad Company, he was ap- 
pointed Tleal Estate Agent and Con- 
veyancer, and had charge of the ac- 
quisition of all right of way of the 
Railroad, and is still retained by the 
Railroad Company in the same capa- 
city. Mr. Hunter is also Real Estate 
Agent and Conveyancer and a Direc- 
tor of the Homestead Real Estate 
Company, owning large acreage 
along the Philadelphia & Western 
Road. He is also identified as one 
of the largest real estate brokers 
and operators in suburban real es- 
tate and expert appraiser. In T>ans- 
dowpe and vicinity, he has sold up- 
wards of $300,000 worth of real estate 
Two of the most notable sales were 
of the property helonging to the late 
Col. Thomas A. Scott, President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, on 
which he outlined the project of Lansdowne Court, and of property helong- 
ing formerly to Joel J. Bailey, located on South T^ansdowne avenue. Mr. 
Hunter is a prominent officer of the LansdowTie Country Club, a Director 
of the Lansdowne Civic Association, and is actively identified with many 
other prominent clubs and oi-ganizations. He is a young man possessed of 
splendid energy, push, and enterprise, and withal displays at all times 
sound judgment and tact. Lansdowne's interests find in him a steady, in- 
telligent, and substantial supporter and promoter. 




C Edwin Hunter, 
Prominent Real Estate Operator, 



John V- Loughney. 

John V. Longhney ranks among Lansdowne's foremost townsmen. Mr. 
Loughnev settled in the Borough September 1, 1900. He wa^ the prominent 
pioneer spirit in the establishment of a local council of the Knights of 
Columbus, which was done on June 25, 1901, with himself occupying the 
distinguished position of Grand Knight, it being named De La Salle Coun- 
cil, No. 590. Mr Loughney is at the present time the District Deputy of 
<be Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania, covering West Philadelphia and 
Delaware County and havinsr jurisdiction over West Philadelphia, De La 
Sa lie, Pinzon and Columbus Council ; and is an active member of the Union 
Athletic Association, having joined at the organization. He has attained 
marked business success, at present occupying the position of Assistant 
Secretarv and Treasurer of The Equitable Trust Company, of Philadelphia. 
His career has been marked by a wide experience and close application to 
business. 



62 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 




HABRY M.,DAJ\'IS^ 



LANSDOAYNE PAST AND PRESENT 



r,3 



Harry M. Davis. 

LaTisdowne's representative pharmacy has been for years popularly 
known as "Davis' Driig Store." The proprietor, Harry M, Davis, one of the 
borough's highly esteemed young business men, was born at Llanerch, Del- 
aware County, and started in the drug business in Lansdowne in th.e Bar- 
ker Building on JMovember 1, 1896. Mr. Davis purchased the present horn© 
of his pharmacy, at the corner of Lansdowne and Baltimore avenues in 
-19i}l, it occupying the site of the old Brennan Drtig Store building whicli 
~was removed, intact, under the supervision of R. J. Robinson, in 1900, to 
its present location on Baltimore avenue, as the club house of the Knights 
of Columbus, Mr. Davis moved into the new building in May, 1901. The 
property cost $10,000, including the house and store only; he subsequently 
added the barber shop in 1901, and in 1903 the Twentieth Century Club Hall, 
and the store buildings now occupied by the Craig-Wright Meat Shop and 
the Chinese Laundry. He also conducted a drug store at Fernwood, Del- 
aware County, from 1903 to 1906, and is still owner of the property. He is 
the owner of considerable improved and unimproved real estate in' the bor- 
ough. On May 26, 1906, Mr. Davis, owing to impaired health, sold his Lans- 
downe drug store to J. V. Slaughter, and, with the recovery of normal 
health condition, re-purchased the store from Mr. Slaughter on October 1, 
1908, and has as a partner in the business Walter Jessup. the firm name 
heing Davis & Jessup. Mr. Davis was educated in the public schools, sup- 
plementing his early schooling with courses at the West Chester State Nor- 
mal Sch^ool and the Millersville State Normal School, He began the study 
of pharmaceutics in 188? in Philadelphia and graduated in 1892. He served 
as a member of the local Board of Health, first filling the unexpired term 
of J. Herbert Ogden, and then serving for a full term. He was elected a 
member of the Borough Council in 1908 for a three-year) term, is chairman 
of the Police and Buildings Committee, and a member of the Highwav and 
Pire and Light Committees, His career in council has evidenced marked 
ability and rii^e judgment. He is zealously devoted to all undertakings 
■calculated to promote the best interests of the borough, and devotes much 
«of his very valuable timeto studying municipal needs and devising ways 
and mea:ns for their bettermeJit, 




Cornelius McCullough. 
Chief, Lansdowne Fire 

Company, 
^oro. Building- InaiDector 



Cornelius IVIcCulloiigh. 

ATnong the j'SDung men who have ac- 
chie\'ed business sxiccess in Lansdowne is Cor- 
nelius -McCullough, the well known heater 
and range and roofing expert with offices 
on South LaTisdowne avenue. Mr. McCul- 
lough has bee-n a resident of Lansdowne f«r 
twenty-five years, having settled in the vil- 
lage Jn 1881, He has grown with the bor- 
ough, and particularly with its residential 
developmeTit. He Is practically conversant 
with all phases of municipal activity, and 
has always taken a prominent part in all 
matters directed toward local advancement. 
He IS Chief of the Lansdowne Pire Com- 
pany, and has evidenced marked ahility in 
prrrmoting the best interests of that organi- 
sation. Mr. McCullough was appointed Bor- 
ough Building Inspector in T908, and has dis- 
xiharged the important duties of the office 
with marked fidelity, inlelligence ajQd effi- 
ciency. 



64 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PiiBSENT 



George A. Nitzky, Jr. 



Lansdowne citizenship is proud of its water supply. The residents boast 
of its excellence. The various departments of the municipality openly 
proclaim its adequacy and completeness in all avenues of municipal re- 
quirement. The local water system attained its present stage of thorough- 
ness since the advent in the Borough of Geo. A, Nitzky as Superintendent of 
the Springfield Consolidated Water Co. Mr. Nitzky is an expert on public wat- 
er supply, and gained his enviable status in that field by years of practical 
experience and hard conscientious study. He gives every detail of the 
water supply personal supervision, and is thoroughly conversant with 
every feature of the water system. He is an Ex-Chief of the Lansdowne 
Fire Company, and in that position directed the Company to a high state 
of efficiency. He is recognized as one of the borough's self-made youfig men. 



Casper Pennock. 

Caspar Pennock is one of Lansdowne's early eifizeng, one of the men 
who did the pioneer work out of which has grown the Lansdowne of today. 
His early part in Lansdowne's affairs is elsewhere recounted in this pub- 
lication. Suffice it to add, that no man in the Borough has contributed 
more extendedly or substantially to its development in all directions tharr 
he. Mr. Penno'ck located in the village of Lansdowne in 1872, at which 
time Lansdowne avenue (Darby Road) was a SS foot wide road south of 
Baltimore avenue. 



John W. Davisr^ 

John W. Davis is one of the best 
known of Lansdowne's early residents. Mr, 
Davis came to the locality to live on Febru- 
ary 1^ 1887. Since his advent to the commu- 
nity he has been active in all matters directed 
toward its Welfare and advanc-ement. His 
na.rae appears In sundry parts of this pub- 
lication in connection with prominent steps 
taken in early local development. He was a 
member and the first Secretary of the Bor- 
ough Board of Health when organised. Mr. 
Davis served in the Borough Council, and 
has been for years that body's secifetarry . a 
post at once charged with numerous 'and 
very responsible duties, and which he has 
ably and most acceptably Irlled, He i& 
Treasurer of the Lansdowne Republican 
Club, and a Director of the Lansdowne 
Civic Association, and also a member of 
other well known local Clubs. He is one o€ 
the best informed men in the borough om 
municipaJ history and conditions. 




John W. Davis, 

Secretary, 

Lansdowne Boro. Council. 



Ed Wilt B, Lewfsv 

Edwifi B. Lewis, the well known Real Estate Agent. located in Lans- 
downe in July,. 1890,. but had purchased a home in the then village in the 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



65 



Fall of 1889. Mr. Lewis has been Collector of Taxes for the Borough for a 
number of years, and his large and varied relation to local real estate, im- 
proved and unimproved, constitute him one of the best and most reliably in- 
formed men on local realty vaJues in the Borough. Mr. Lewis is a mem- 
ber of all prominent Borough org-anizations whose aim is local improve- 
ment, and is always in the foreground of all movements aimed at foster- 
ing and promoting that end- 



H. F. Griffith. 

Trading as the Lansdowne Land Syndicate 
Director of Belmont Trust Company, Offic- 
ially identified with important Industrial En- 
terprises, and also Owner of Large Realty In- 
terests in the West. 

There is presented in this place a pic- 
ture and brief sketch of Mr. H. F. Grifhth, 
the purchaser in ISOS of fifty acres of the erst- 
while W. A. Johnson farm tract in the north- 
w^estern section of the Borough. Mr. Griffith 
is trading as the Lansdowne Land Syndicate 
and developing this newly acquired section 
with the view of making it the ideal resi- 
dential quarter of Lansdowne. He is a Direc- 
tor of the Belmont Trust Company, of West 
Philadelphia, and is even more prominently 
identified with industrial enterprises, Mr. 
Griffith is Treasurer and Manager *of me 
American Cork and Seal Company, a new 
and flourishing Philadelphia undertaking, 
which is now installing immense power press- 
es and other improved machinery; and when 
the outfitting is complete it will be the second 
largest plant of the kind in the United States. 
He is also President of the Shelby Spring 
Hinge Company, of Shelby. Ohio, manutactur 
ers of builders' hardware and kindred Unes. He is the owner of large realty 
interests at De Kolb, 111. The past year found Mr. Griffith pushing the 
Lansdowne investment with the view of placing its recognized advantages 
and claims before the people intelligently and attractively. With the ad- 
vent of open weather in th spring and summer of 1909, it is his purpose 
to i-enew on a much more extended, scale his plans of improvement in the 
Borough, and for the successful prosecution of this work he has surrounded 
himself with a corps of efficient, experienced and thorough realty men. 




Henry C. Griffith, 

Head of the Lansdowne 

Land Syndicate. 



R. James Robinson. 

There are few better known or more respected men in Lansdowne than 
R. James Robinson, of the "Villa." Mr. Robinson was born in Haverford 
Township, Delaware County, in 1857, and w^ith his parents removed to the 
W. Albert Johnson farm, at Marshall Road, in 1861. Fit)m the Johnson 
farm Mr. Robinson removed to Garrettford, wliere for ten years he was 
engaged in tlie milk business, and then became a horse dealer He served as 
constable in L^pper Darby Township in 1889. In 1900 he settled in Lansdowne, 
at his present home, the "Villa," South Lansdowne avenue, where he has 
since been engaged in the general teaming and livery business. He has 
held the office of Constable continuously since 1900. Mr. Robinson is an ac- 
tive and prominent member of the Lansdowne Fire Company, and is ever 
active in all matters tending to Borough improvement. 



6G 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



Albert F. Damon, Jr. 

Albert F Damon, Jr., of Darby, Pa., was appointed Borough Engineer 
of Lansdowne, Pa., in 190^, by the Lansdowne Borough Council, his indorse- 
ment for the office having: been of the highest 
order. His preparatory education was had at 
the Friends' Central' School Fifteenth and 
Race streets, Philadelphia, Pa., this having- 
been- supplemented by attendance at the Penn- 
sylvania State Colleg-e, from which institution 
he graduated in 189^4. Mr. Damon was in the 
employ of William Wharton & Co., Philadel- 
phia, until ISgS, when he formed a partntr- 
ship with Enon M. Harris, Jr., who was at 
that time Borough Engineer of several bor- 
oughs in Delaware County. This partnership 
continued for about seven years, and since its 
conclusion Mr. Damon has been in the gen- 
eral engineering business on his own account, 
representing, for varying- periods of time, the 
following boroughs in Delaware County, 
namely. Darby, Colwyn, Sharon Hill, Yeadoir, 
Prospect Park, Norwood, Eddystone, Col- 
lingdale, Glenolden, Clifton Heights, and 
Lansdowne. His work in Lansdowne has 
brought him in contact with all phases of 
highway improvement. During the year I90S 
he planned, instituted, supervised, and com- 
pleted street construction and g-eneral highway 
betterments that have already left a promi- 
nent impress of sterling benefit to the Borough. He has also been instru- 
mental in originating plans for and conducting toward satisfactory com- 
pletion a sewage disposal plan for Lansdowne and adjacent boroughs. He 
fs a young man of distinct promise and substantial performances. 




Albert F. Damon, 
Engineer and Surveyor 
of Lansdowne Borough. 



Dr. H. C. Bartfeson, 

Dr. H. C. Barfleson was born in Radnor, Delaware County, Pa., He was 
educated at the Millersville State Normal School, Lancaster County, Pa., and 
in Jefferson Medical Colleg-e, Philadelphia, Pai., (1870). He settled in Lans- 
downe on October I, 1896, but had been in the immediate vicinity for twen- 
ty-seven years. His charming home at the corner of Baltimore and Wy- 
combe avenues was built for him by John McConaghy in 1893, and has been 
occupied by the Doctor ever since his advent to the Borough. On Novem- 
ber 12, 1873, he was married to Clara Vi:rgin:ia Thompson, of Philadelphia, 



Frank P. Drew. 

Frank P. Drew has been a resident of Lansdowne since 1893, but had 
been accustomed to pass the summer months in the Borough for several 
years previous to that date. Mr. Drew has always taken a strong and ac- 
tive interest in every movement having for its object the promotion of Bor- 
ough welfare. He is a member of several local clubs, and in these, as in his 
bvisiness undertakings, fakes an energetic and helpful part. Mr. Drew is a 
lover of the gun and rod, and is a member of the Lansdowne Gun Club, 
and one of its organizers. He. is a. director of the Lan^sdowne Civic Associa' 
ti<5»n. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AI\D PRESENT 



67 




George N. Storch 

Among the strictly representative local business establishments that of 
George N. Storch, a.t No. 9 S. Lansdowne avenue, unquestionably stands 
first from the standpoint of completeness of equipment and artistic arrange- 
ment and furnishing. Mr. Storch, a young man not yet past his twenties, 
located at No. 5 S. Lansdowne avenue March 27, 1906, having acquired the 

confectionery and ice cream business uy> to 
that time conducted by H. M. Whitman. The 
new owner at once injected modern business 
procedure .and soon found his quarters too 
cramped for his growing trade. On March 
IS, 1907, he purchased from William H. W^or- 
rell, the local plumber, the property at No. 9 
S. Lansdowne avenue, and in August of that 
year started to remodel the building. A flrst- 
class ice cream manufacturing plant was in- 
stalled on the first floor and a complete bak- 
ing department at the rear of the second 
floor, both departures being supplied with 
features realizing the best known system of 
sanitation and cleanliness, this being the first 
undertaking of the kind in the borough, as in 
other cases it was customary to conduct the 
work in poorly ventilated and lighted cellars 
or basements. On December 1, 1907, Mr. 
Storch took possession of the premises. The 
property was purchased from Mr. Worrell for 
$7,500, and the alterations made in it before 
possession was taken footed up approximately 
$5,000. Among the other changes made since 
his occupancy the following merit special mention: The ice cream factory 
is remarkable for its clenaliness and the uniformity of methods observed in 
the manufacture of ice creain. The ice cream parlor, decorated with rich 
classic designs, handsomely carpeted, containing rich mahoganv tables and 
chairs, and provided with beautiful art-glass electric lights, a light being 
assigned to each table, has a seating capacity of fifty-two persons. It opens 
directly into the the store department at the front of the building. In the 
latter department the same eye-pleasing classic designs in decoration ])re- 
vail, the walls also carrying 'large beveled glass mirrors, while fine glass 
show cases, filled M^ith sweetmeats of his own manufacture and set off with 
tastefully arranged bric-a-brac and objects de virtu. — appear on either side 
of the entrance aisle. It is safe to state there is not another such estab- 
lishment outside of Philadelphia. During 1908 Mr. Storch added to the 
store a very beautiful and complete soda fountain at a cost of about $1,200. 
This estahlishment keeps two delivery teams on the go day and night, and 
affords employment to eight persons other than the members of the pro- 
prietor's family. Mr. Storch is the only caterer in the borough, and his ser- 
vice in this field has been of such uniformly excellent nature that he is in 
constant demand in connection with public and private functions, the 
Clifton National Bank having been one of his latest patrons on the occa- 
sion of the annual meeting of the stockholders in January, 1909. The ice- 
creams offered by this business enjoy a wide reputation for excellence, and 
are delivered to customers in all parts of the County and in Philadelphia, 
He extends to his patrons an invitation to visit and inspect any branch of 
the bvisiness at any time. The store front is handsome, with plate glass 
display windows in which are costly drop curtains, the business sign be- 
ing inwrought artistictly on the transom over the main entrance door. Mr. 
Storch has contributed substantially a.nd most attractively to the improve- 
ment of the boroughi, and is a consistent and stalwart champion of aJl 



George N. Storch. 



movements aiming at borough development and uplift. 



fiS 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



William A. Leonard. 




William A. Leonard. 
Successful Boro. Florist, 



William A. Leonard is recognized as 
one of the foremost exponents of practical 
floriculture in Delaware County, and admit- 
tedly stands in the front rank of Lansdowne 
florists. He has devoted years of unremitted 
and close study of the history and nurture of 
flowers. He has been a resident of Lansdowne 
for a number of years, and has succeeded in 
building- up one of the most extensive as 
well as best equipped greenhouse systems in 
the State. The gTeenhouses now number 
fourteen, and Mr. Leonard's business is grow- 
ing so rapidly that this number will not long 
meet his requirements. He is one of uirf 
borough's large property owners, and also 
owns property in East Lansdowne. He is 
essentially a business man, and by adherance 
to sound 'business policies has deservedly won 
distinct success. He is ever among those 
who are striving for a better and greater 
Lansdowne, and in the management of his 
own business affords a most commendable 
example along this line. 



Dr. Warran Lawrence Rhoads. 

Dr. Warren Lawrence Rhoads was born in Delaware County, May 5, 
1868. He was educated at the West Chester State Normal School, the 
Shortlidge Academy, Media, the University of Pennsylvania, and the 
American Veterinary College, Veterinary Department University of New 
York, from which he graduated in the spring of 1893. He began the prac- 
tice of his profession in Lansdowne in September, 1S93, and purchased his 
present residence of Homer C. Stewart in the spring of 1896, and immed- 
iately erected a veterinary sanitarium, containing all the latest improve- 
ments and app*ances; this sanitarium was damaged by fire in 1908. In the 
fall of 1896 he married Anna M., second daughter of H. Jones and Anna 
R. Moore, of Broomall, Delaware County, He was unanimously elected for 
three successive years as Secretary of the Keystone Veterinary Medical 
Association, the oldest local association in existence, and also served as 
Secretary of the Pennsylvania State Aassociation. 



Beniflitiin W. Carskaddon 



Benj. W. Carskaddon has been a resident of Lansdowne since November, 
1892, and has always taken a,n active part in every movement that promised 
to promote Borough development and betterment. After an extended, varied 
and successful real estate and conveyancing experience, Mr. Carskaddon 
was on May 1, 1902, appointed to his present very important official post as 
Real Estate Agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He is a mem- 
ber of the Board of Trustees of the Lansdowne Public Library. As this 
volume goes to press, Mr. Carskaddon stands as the Republican noimnee 
for Chief Burgess. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PKEJ^EXT 



G9 



Lucian W. Beatty and T. Edgar Beatty. 





LiUcian W. Beatty, 



T. Edgar Beatty. 



The two young local tnerchaiits above named, trading ag Beatty Bros. 
started in the grocery business at No. 8 East Baltimore avenue, Lans- 
downp, March 29, 1904, removing to their present quarters on South Lans- 
downe avenue on Novetnber 22, 1906. They are self-made business men 
in every sense of the term. These young men started as grocery clerks 
in the Borough, January 5, 1895, serving at different times with such well 
known local grocerymen as W. S. Jefferieg, E. P. fearsoh and H. Hibbert. 
In that way they acquired a practical foundation that has proved a most 
valuable asset in the success that attended their Subsequent business 
undertakings. They have always been substantial contributors to the 
growth and develcyment of lahsdowne in all directions. These young? 
men located in Lansdowne in 1894, 



Joseph S. Vanzaiidt* 

Joseph §. Vanzandt, born at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1850, located in Ldng^ 
downe, (at the time a village in tapper Darby Towhship,) in the fall of 1884, 
moving three years later to his present home on North Lansdowne avenue. 
Mr. Vanzandt has always taken art active interest iii the growth and de^ 
velopment of the Borough. He was one of the organizers of the first united 
effort for local government, the Citizens' Association, Serving as its Secre- 
tary from its organization until it passed out of existence after the in- 
corporation Of the Borough in 1893. In 1898 Mr. Vanzandt was elected a 
member of the Borough Council to fill an unexpired term, serving during his 
incumbency as Chairman of the Finance Committee of Council. He waS 
also chairman of the committee that organized the local fire company, and 
was elected the company's first President, an Office he filled for several 
years. Mr. Vanzandt is oflficially identified with the Treasury Department 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Mnth which Company he has beeri 
associated for a number of years. Not only the prominent and effective 
part he pla: sd in the early career of the Borough, but as well his energetic 
and broad-minded interest in all that relates to the municipality at th^ 
present time, place him in the rank of the really representative men &i 
the locality. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PREgEKT 




John W .Gib. son, 
Real Estate Agent. 



John W. Gibson 

John W. Gibson, Real Estate Agent, S3ltled ill 
Lansdowne, June 19, 1889, as a representative of the 
Lansdowne Heights Land Association. At that time 
Lansdowne was a small village with a population of 
about 500. He can point to at least 100 houses in 
Lansdowne and vicinity that have been erected 
through his efforts, and during his residence in 
Lansdowne he has sold upwards of 1,000 lots in 
Lansdowne and adjoining boroughs. He is a loyal 
tow^nsman, whose best endeavors are invariably di- 
rected toward all movements having for their ob- 
ject local improvement. 



Dr. Elwood Baker. 

Dr. Ellwood Bak«^r, who died March 1, 1896, aged 5?, was 0Y\^ of the 
the best kiiown physicians in Delaware County. He was born at the farm- 
house on the road from Church Lane to Cardington. He was a graduate 
of Jefferson Medical College, and Hahnemann College gave him a diploma. 
He had an entensive practice and was highly esteemed by all. His wife 
was Miss Mary E. Plumstead, daughter of Robert PlUm.stead, of the "Maple 
Grove Farm," now a part of Lansdowne. He was interred at the Friends' 
burying ground at Darby. 



James §. Austin* 

James S. Austin wsm bom in Philadelphia. His father, John B. Austin, 
owned Dr. De Forest Willard's present property, and u.sed it as a country- 
seat. James S. Austin was President of the Citizens' Electrict Light Com- 
pany, and was also President of the Delaware County & Philadelphia Trol- 
ley Company. 




S Tyson Kinsell, 

Secretary Of the Lansdowne Civic AgsOciatiort, 

Mr. Kihsell is a Registered U. S. Patent At- 
torney, and formerly practiced in Philadelphia. He- 
entered the Federal Government service in 1803, sev- 
eral years prior to which he also published the 
"Delaware County Tribune. "—(1901-03). He spent 
about four years in the Secret Service and Customs 
Divisions of the Treasury Department, Washington, 
D. C, and is now connected with the Customs Ser- 
vice at the port of Philadelphia. Appointed mem- 
ber of Board of Health, in iviarch, 1909. 



S. Tyson Kinsell, 
Secretary, Lansdowne Civic Asso. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



Edwin T. Darby, H. D., D. D. S. 

Dr. Edwin T. Darby's residence on Lansdowne avenue, just below the 
Providence Road, was named "Darbydeene," and was built in 1884 by Benj. 
D. Price, architect, and original owner; the ground formerly belonged to 
the Lincoln estate. Dr. Darby was torn in Binghamton, Broome County, 
New York, and educated at Cortland Academy, Homer. N. Y. He graduated 
in dentistry in 18C5 at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, Phila- 
delphia, and in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1879. Hp has 
been identified with the unhers.ty of Pe .n^yivania as I rof?S3or of ^pe a : e 
Dentistry and Dental Histology in the Dental Department. 



Civil Betterment Undertakings. 



Citizens' Association of Lansdowne. 

The first movement toward the creation of an "improvement associatioii" 
in Lansdowne may be said to date from January 18, 1889. when the present 
borough was a village forming a part of L'pper Darby Township. On that 
date a meeting was held in Pennocks Hall, at which Joseph Powell offered 
a resolution providing for the appointment of a committee to consider such 
matters as w^ere of interest and for the general welfare of the community, 
The chairman, Joseph E. Thropp, appointed as such coramitte'^ Messrs, Cle- 
ment M. Biddle. Abram L. Pennock, John W. Davis, F. M. Long-streth, E, 
St J. Brady. Henry Albertson, J. ^Vesley Harris. Joseph S. Vanzandt and 
Joseph E. Thropp. Mr. Vanzandt acted as Secretary of this meeting". The 
question of borough incorporation was discussed and th^ following boundar- 
ies for Lansdowne were suggested r Commencing at East side of Darby 
Creek on a line with Fairview ave.; eastwa-dly on said Fai-A-i w are to I'n'nn 
ave.; northwardly to Kenney's Lane to Marshall Road, th-nce westwardly 
to Shadeland avenue, thence southwardly to east side of Darbv r'reek to 
place of beginning. Organization was effected at the meeting of the fore- 
going committee held February 1?., 18S9. with Clement M. Biddle as chair- 
man. The committee recommended, inter alia, that the organization be 
known as the "Citizens' Association of Lansdowne." On Jime 13, 1889, the 
first regular meeting of this Association was h'^ld in Pennock's Hall. Jam^^s 
Garrett occupying the chair, with Joseph S. Vanzandt as Secretary. At 
the meeting held the 18th of the same month the following were elected 
as the first officers of the Association: 

President James Garrett. 

Vice President, Joseph L. Davis 

Secretary, Joseph S. Vanzandt 

Treasurer, Leander Marshall 

The Trustees were Abram L. Pennock, Dr. DeForest Willard and Henry 
Albertson. and the Executive Committee comprised F. M. Longstreth. Ed- 
ward V. Kane, A. E. Postel. Joel J. Bailey, Caspar Pennock, Robert F. Ir- 
win, James Garrett, E. R. Fackler. Frank Morris, Henry Grim. John W, 
Davis, Joseph S. Vanzandt, John J. White, Howard White and H. H. Cook. 
This Association included in its m-embership many of Lansdowne's best 
known citizens, and at the time of its dissolution in 1893 had 83 mem.bers. 
It did much good and substantial work in the way of local beginnings, im- 
provements and general uplift. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND l^UESEKT 



Lansdowne Civic Association. 

The Lansdowne Civic Association had its origin in a movenieiit instituted 
by citizens of the northern section of the boi'ough who were desirous of 
promoting and maijitaining a high standard of municipal condtions, and 
Which culminated in the org-anization on September 13, 1907, of the "East" 
ern Precinct Improvement Association of Lansdowne." After several meet-' 
ings it was decided to enlarge the field of activity, to include the borough 
in its entiretj^ and according'ly the the name was changed to "Lahsdowne 
Improvement Association" at a meeting held in January, 1908, which title 
obtained until the adoptioh on October 13, 1908, of the present title "Lans^ 
downe Civic Association", in order to harmonize with National and State 
organizations of like character. Although in its infancy the Association has 
accomplished much substantial good in borough affairs, its work thus faf 
having been for the most part formulative and suggestive. The officers aret 

President, Frank T. Davis. Sr. 

Vice President A. Culver Boyd. 

Secretary, S. Tyson Kinsell. 

Treasurer, H. L. Parkinson, 

DiRBCTOftS, 

Easter Precinct t Western Prfecintt 

George C. Johnson. James T. Stewart. 

Robert Crawford. C. Edwin Hunter. 

Ezra tlyde Alden. Deforest Willard, M. D. 

J. Lynn Barnard. Dr. R. W. Gick. 

gnuthern Precinct: 

J. Herbert Ogden. 

John W. Davis. 

C. Wilfred Conard. 

Thos. G. Cooper. 



LAXSDONVXE PAST AND PRESENT 



73 



Best Gas Range to Buy 




Cook With Gas ALL the Year 



The cook stove is the mcst important factor that enters 
into the kitchen work. Why not have the best? Why 
not use the the best ALL the time? Where a gas range 
is used only in summer, its benefits are lost for half the 
year and two stoves must be maintained. 

Also the eternal servant problem comes in; and why 
Should she be obliged to carry coal and smother in ashes? 

The Eclipse Cabinet Gas Range is the perfection of 
cooking convenience. broiling, baking and warming 
ovens there are, ail heated by the 
same burners and all on a conven- 
ient ievei. No stooping. There are 
tour top burners and a simmering 
burner; also a Icng she.f at ihe bot- 
tom most useful to hold utensils. 
Once installed the coal stove will 
be banished for all tim^. 



A Cabinet 
Gois Range 
is a Coal 
Stove with 
a College 
Education 



Suburban Gas Company 

STUART M. BROWNE, Lansdowne Representative. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



1 


MICHEtLSiMl 




Bi FLOWER, VEGETABLE AND GRASS 




■ "^'■\' 






Complete Catalogue of Seeds, Bulbs, Garden and Poultry 
Supplies FREE 

HENRY F. MICHELL CO., '"'fhiffiyhiJ'"?* 



VETERINARY SANITARIUM 

DR. W. L. RHOADS, Veterinarian 

Driving, Saddle Horses and Dogs Boarded and For Sale 
Horse Clipping by Power Machine. 



No. 9 East Baltimore Avenue 



Lansdowne, Pa, 



LAXSDOWXE PAST AND PKESEXT 




7(; LANSDOWNE TAST AND PRESENT 

Colonial Mantels 
Fire Places 
Andirons 

Fenders 



Tiles for Bath Rooms 

Kitchens, Pantries, 

Etc. 



DESIGNS & ESTIMATES FURNISHED 



Charles A, Suddards, 

114 So. I6th St., Phila. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



77 



THE quality of the every 
day groceries is what 
makes the difference in 
your every-day Hving. 

WHEN we make our se- 
lections the quality of the 
goods comes first- then the 
price. 

THAT we are just as 
particular with the staple 
articles as we are with our 
fancy groceries, is one of 
the reasons why our trade 
is constantly increasing with 
those who appreciate good 
things. 



BWTHf BROTHERS 



LANSDOWNE, PA. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



William A. Leonard 

The Lansdowne Florist 



FOR 



Choice Roses, Ferns and 
Fern Dishes 



147 N- WYCOMBE AVENUE 

LANSDOWNE, PA, 
Bell Telephcne 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 79 



R. J. ROBINSON 

Lansdowne, Pa. 

Both Phones 

Two and Four Horse Teams for Coaching 

and Straw Rides. Station Wagon to 

Meet Trains. Express to Philadelphia 

Daily; also Local. Light Driving 

Rigs and Saddle Horses. Heavy 

Teams for Moving and Hauling 



m 



LANSDOWNE FAST AND 1»KESENT 



NeaHy Everybody in Lansdowne 
READS 

"The Progress" 



The Best Papep for Loeai News. 
The Best Advertising Medium. 



Circulation, Nearly 4,000. 

TUESDAY cuid FRIDAY 



$1.00 A YEAR 



For Advertising Rates, address 

THE PROGRESS 

DARBY, PA. 



>*""'" T' 



LANSDOWNE PA8T AND PRESENT SI 



Puys z Per Cent. Interest on Accounts Subject to Check, 



The Equitable Trust 
Company 

BROAD above CHESTNUT 

Capital and Surplus, $1,225^000 



^lalies Loans tiitoii Approred Collateral. Acts as 

Trau-^fer Ag'^nt and Registrar of Sioets and 

Bonds. Ti-ayoliers' Checks and Letters of Credit 

for sale. Safe Deposit Boxes for Rent, 

Invites correspondence and solicits your patr-ona^e 

HOWARD B. FRENCH. Pres. 

Wn.LLL\M F. HARRrrY. Vice-Pres. 
JEREMIAH 3. SULLIVAN, Vice-Pros. 
FBAJS^Iv jr. JOHANN, Secy, and Treas- 

JOHN V. LOUGHNEY. Asst. Secy, and Tr^as 
JOHN H. CONNELLAN, Title Officer 
^V, H. HARRISON, Jr., Asst. Title Office: 
C r^EBCY WILL-COX, Trust Otficer 

Directors 

Howard B. FreTicli S. Edwm Megarge* 

William P. Harrity Wintbrop Sniifli 

Anthony A. Hii-st .Samuel Gustin^e ThompsoH 

J-eremiah J. Sulliva-a Francis Shunk Brown 

"Edward F. Beale Aulorcy H. Weiglitmaa 

Tliomas Devlin Henry C. Loiighlin 

Clci-istixin A. Hagen 



J^'tys 3 Per Cent. Interest on Time Deposits 'Subjedt to 
Two Weeks^ Notice, 



V. 



82 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PxxESENT 

r: -? 

Anderson Tract 

Lansdowne Ave. & Garrettford Road. 

GEORGE W. STATZELL 

Rea[ Estate Building IVIiliwork 

318 N. Lansdowne Avenue 

P, O. BOX 2 BELL PHONE 169 

Lansdowne^ Pa. 

Snperb Location, beliiig^ uiucJi higher than LaiiscXowne, over 200 feet 
above tidewater. 

25 minutes from City Hall, PMIadelpIiia, via S-ubway and Elevated 
Trolley Lines. 
ii 15 Minute Walk fi-om Lansdowne Station, P. R. R. 
6 1-2 Miles from City Hall, aad immediately adjoining: Lang^lowne 

Bocougfr, 
Mail Delivered a;t the door, 
Telford Roa;ds. 
Four-foot Cement Walks, 
Telephones. , 

Springfield Waiter. 
Old and New Sliade Tree^ 
Gas-- and Electric Light, 
Attractive Building, Restrictio'X 

For Terms; Addi?esB^ of CaJf! or? 

George W. Statzelt,. Proiirietor^ as above; nr 
William Saunders^ Builder^ on the premises 



T.ANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 83 



LOUIS T. ROfflAGNOLI 



Merchant Tailor 



MEN'S AND LADIES' 
TAILORING --^=::::=- 

Barker Building, RQQ^ »» 

LANSDOWNE, PA. 

l>liotie-lansdowike. 44-a 



84 LANSDOAYNE PASl AND PRESENT 

Butter and Eggs 

Tea and Coffee 



D. L. Mclaughlin 



Country Sausage and Scrapple, 
JLard in Season 

Lansdowne P. O. 273 Send Postal 

CHARLES U SHURTLEFF 

3funeral 2)irector 



3825 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

67 N» Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, Pa< 

BELL PHONES 



LAXSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



85 













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LANSDOWNE I'AST AND PRESENT 



' LANSDOWNE WET WASH 
AND CLEANSING COMPANY 

Telephone No. 14, Lansdowne 
P. O. Box No. 20, Lansdowne 

P. O. Box No. 276, Ciifton Heights 

STOP AND THINK 

For FIFTY CENTS the Lansdowne Wet 
Wash and Cleansing Company \^ill do an 
ordinary family washing and return just 
damp within thirty-six hours, a large por- 
tion of which can be ironed at once. 

It solves the servant problem —save^ you money— removes 

the most unpleasant feature of wash day. 

Fill the bag (loaned by the Company) to the full capacity 

— we will do the rest. 

Sanitary ftatures very best. Each wash kept separate from 

others. 

Form the hibit of sending your wash WEEKLY, 

No MARKING with our system. 

No CHEMICALS ustd. 

Will not injure the most delicate fabric or co'or-s, 

ALL we ask is a trial. 

Write or telephone — you will receive prompt attention. 

We also make the cleansing of 

BLANKETS AND LACE CURTAINS 

a Specialty. 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



THE WILSON^ TILE CO. 

Mosaic Tiles and Marble Decorations. 
Mantels, Grates and Fireplaces 

OFFICE AND SEOW ROOMS 

414 Perry Bldg, 16th and Chestnut Sts. 

I'HONE CONNECTIONS. 
The following is a list of a few of our patrons, to 
each and all of whom we respectfully refer. 

Residences 

C. Cecil Fitler. Riverton, N. J. 

M. ^Meyer Fitler, Eiyerton, N- J. 

John H. Converse, IGth and Locust street. 

S. N. Vauclain, Roseniont, Pa. 

William H. Steigerwalt, Merion, Pa. 

Dr. Vandyke, Princeton. N. J. 

B. F. Clyde, Byrn Mawr. Pa. 

The Hon. Judge Audenried, Overbrook, Pa. 

Victor Du Pont, AVilmington. Del. 

Isaac Clothier, Wynne wood. Pa. 

Mr. Laird, Chestnut Hill. Pa. 

Francis R. Strawbridge, Byrn Mawr. Pa. 

Sanniel Disston, Chestnut Hill, Pa. 

Mrs. Thos. McKean, Casenovia Lake, N. Y. 

Alexander Simpson, Merion, Pa. 

Theo. Vorhees, Melrose, Pa. 

Clarence N. Clark, Queen Lane. Germantown. 

P. N. Sharpless, AVe>t Chester. Pa. 

Samuel H. Austin, 3913 Chestnut street. 

Mr. Ballard, Chestnut Hill, Pa. 

Mrs- Thos. McKean, Rosemont. Pa. 

Sfote!s, Eui'dings, etc. 

Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Pliila.. aa. 
Marlborough Hotel. Atlantic City. N. J, 
Traymore Hotel, Atlantic City, Pa. 
National Farm School, Doylestown, Pa. 
Lafayette Building, 5th and Cliestnut street. 
Buildings for Girard College, Phila.. Pa. 
Briar Cliff Manor, on the Hudson, N. Y. 

35 Houses in Lansdowne built by W. C. Shuster, Jr. 

"What is Home without a WILSON FIRE- 
PLACE?" Ask the :\Ian Next Door. 



88 



LANSDOWXE TAST AND PRESENT 



C. McCULLOUGH 



-t-M 



Tin, Slag and 
Slate Rooting 




HEATERS, RANGES, SKYLIGHTS, 
CORNICES, SHEET METAL WORK 



C <€#'^*^ 



^.^*^ 



ig S. Lansdowne Avenue. 



LAXSbOWXE PAST AND PRESENT 



89 



Wm, C. ShusteTyJr. 



BUILDER OF 



AR TISTIC 

SUBURBAJS HOMES 




Entrance to Lansdowne Court. 




REAL ESTATE 


Latisdownef . - - « 


Pentia. 



00 



LAN>4D()WNE PAST AND PRESENT 




Lansdowne 
Tonsorial Parlor 

22 S. Lansdowne Ave. 

LANSDOWNE, PA. 

FRANK TROMMER, 

Frank Trcn,„.er PrOprietOr 

Commodious and Handsome Parlon 

Complete and Up-to-Date Equipment 
Expert, Long Experienced and Courteous Barbers. 

Four Latest Pattern Chairs. 
Shaving and Hair Dressing in Approved Styles. 

Children's Hair Cutting a Specialty. 

Lansdowne Standard and Reliable 
Barber Shop 



LAXSnoWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



D. H. Barrow 

Tin, Slate and Slag 

ROOFING-SPOUTING 

HEATER AND RANGE WORK 

BRICKS AND GRATES 

ROOFS REPAIRED AND PAINTED 
Estimates Cheerfully Furnished 

10 S. Lansdowne Ave. 

Lansdowne, Pa. 



92 LAXSDOAVXE PAST AND I'lSESEN'T 



FREQUENTLY 

Twenty Payment Life Poli'-ies are mistaken for Twenty Yeai* Endow- 
ments- The former are payable only at death, while the latter are pjiy- 
able to the insnred himself if he should live twenty years, or at prior 
death. The following comparison of rates per thousand wnll be interest ng 

Twenty Endow- 

Pa . Life ment. 

Age 35 20>rs 

Provident Lifo & Trust $33.28 $46.70 

Aetna Life 37.83 50.49 

Berkshire 37-13 50.98 

Canada Life 38.15 52,05 

Connecticut General 34.50 49.13 

Connecticut Mutual ...... 35.82 50.36 

Equitable of New York 38.34 52.47 

Fidelity Mutual . 3G.78 50.12 

Germania 37.53 51.17 

Hartford Life 37-12 51.82 

Home Life 30.22 49.85 

John Hancock 34.87 50.14 

Manhattan 3G.17 49.74 

Massachusetts Mutual 37.13 50.98 

Mutal of New York 38.34 52.47 

Mutual Benefit 30-22 4985 

National of Vermont 37.27 50.90 

New England 30.70 50 00 

New York Life 38.31 51.91 

Northwestern 30.85 50. (U 

Penn Mutual 37.?5 50.88 

Phoenix Mutual 37 16 50.38 

State Mutual 30.80 50.40 

Sun (Canada^. 80.95 50 55 

Fn-'on Central 35.50 50.12 

T'nion Mutual 37.35 51.11 

The Provident Life and Trust Comctny of Phtiladelphia \ 

is distinguished for low rates of premium on aM fo^^ms of policies; ' 
also low expense rate; and its mortality is lower than that of any 
other American company. All of its policies ar?^ upon the "Participa- 
tion Plan:" that is. the difference between the premium and the 
cost of insurance as determined by experience is returned in divi- 
dends There are companies which insure without dividends, and 
a comparison between the premium rates for such msiirance and 
the mutual rates of a company like the Provident, is unfair to the 
latter. 

l.OUTS F. PARET, Special Agent 
401 CHESTNUT STPEET, OFFICE HOURS 

PKILA, PA. 12 30 to 2 30 P M 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 98 

RUFUS C. HOOPES 

DEALER IN 

Lumber, Coal and Feed 



Hardware, Drain Pipe, 

Building Paper, Rcofing Paper, 

Calcine Plaster, Hair Cement 

Axle Grease. Nails and Glass, 

Pratf s Horse, Cattle and Poultry Food 

Dr, Daniel's Horse Remedies 



BALTIMORE AND UNION AVENUES 
LANSDOWNE, PA ; 

Bell and Keystone Plionei 



04 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



The Philadelphia Suburban 
Electric Company 

DAY AND NIGHT SERVICE 

The Ldnsdowne Station of this Company is 

Operating Day and Night, giving 

Continuous Service 

A BRIGHT LITTLE TIP 

i V^e electric U.uii-f — s^top scratcliinu' matcTies on yonr 

I wall. Those streaky match scratches looks mighty 

' had on any wail. Electric- light is the only lighC 

j: for the home. 

] Electricity. The ffocfdes-s of health. Electi-ic lig'ht 

mrcy he n?fed in the s'.Ieiei>iiTg roam withont mjnrion:? 
results'.. Whenever electrie light is used the air re- 
mains pnre and sweet. 

Electric Flat Irons heat qnick and stay hot. A 
ifnrii of the switch sttcrts it. In a few moments: 
yonr inn is hot. 

GET AN ELECTRIC FAN AND KEEP OFF THE FLIES 

B.ll Phone -26 Lansdowr.e ALONZO M. GETZ, 

Key^one - 12 - MANAGER. 



LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT ^5 

aEN^ERi^L INDEX 

Feature Page 

A. 

Anderson Tract 27-85 

Application for Borough Incorporation 5 

Arlington Cemetery .., 85 

Alden, Ezra H 72 

Austin, James S • 70 

B. 

Beatty Bros., Grocers ..,.,.69-77 

Beatty, Lucian W. ^ '69 

Beatty, T. Edgar ,,.; 69 

Boyd, A. Cl-ilver, 26-56-72 

:Boyd, Rev. Wm. ^ •"• 6-40 

BorougTi Loan Issues - 13 

Borough Tax Rates - 20 

Borougli Realty Values ^ 20 

Board of HealtTi 21 

Borough Officials, List of 24 

Barlcer, Wm. H ^ 11-21-24 

Brosius, Sumner G 24 

Bartram, Nathan B ^ 59 

Blanchplerre • - 2^S 

Barrow, D. H ^^ 

:Ben Teleplione Co , of Penna., , 7 and Baclc Cover 

Baranard, Prof, J. Lynn ^ 72 

:Bunting, MorgaTi .,..-. .^ Front Cover 36 

Bartleson, Br. H. C .-... 66 

^aker, Dr. Elwood -. .- — 70 

Baptist ChurcTi - -,,..- .-„,.~ 41 

C. 

^Country Club of Lansdowne -......,, ^ 44 

rjarsWddon, B. W. • ......26-68 

^Carter, John B ,.,..,...., 49 

<Conard, C. Wilfred •• 25-72 

'Churclies ^ 

<Crawford, Capt. Bol)ert, ^5-2fi'?4-47-52-72 

HZJitizens' Associaition of Lansdowne .. — 71 

'Central Division, B. B. & W. R. R - 1- 

^atholic Mutual Benefit Association .,..,' 4S 

'Cryer, Mrs. Matthew H. -, ^^ 

'Camp, Mrs. Frank M. ^.. ^ 

B, 



"Davis, Harry M. 
^Davis. John W, 



. 26-62-6.3 
21 -25-26-89 



96 LANSDOWNE PAST AND PRESENT 



General Index— Continued 

Feature Page 

Davis, Frank T., Sr. 25-^1-41-56-72 

Dyer, Samuel H. 4T 

De La Salle Council, No. 590, K. of C 4» 

Drew, Prank P ,.,, 6t> 

Darby and Haverford Road 22 

Damon, Albert F., Jr , 26-66 

Darby, Edwin T., M. D 71 

Drew, MTilliam P 23-24 

Delaware County & Philadelphia Electric Ry. --o.,. S8^ 
Dougherty, Mrs. X. Byrne 51 

E. 

English, W. Frank 17-21-25-26-31-59^ 

Engineering Facts, Early .,., 25 

Equitable Trust Co., The 8X 

Ebrey. C. E tt 

F. 

First National Bank of Clifton Heights I 

First Borough Survey 2if 

First Borough Sewer .• 25 

First Cement Sidewalk '^i 

First Roadway Construction ^i? 

Firemen's Relief Association 35 

Friends' Meeting House, Owen avenue 42 

Fackler, Mrs. Edward R bl 

Garrett, Hon. Isaac V, 2I-3I-3"4-50-54 

Getz, Alonzo M., 38-9^ 

Guilford, Dr. S. H ..-. 33- 

Garrett, David H 39- 

Griffith, H. F. , „. 65- 

Gibson, Jno. W., Jr., „ , 7(r 

Grabau, Mrs. Louise 14 

Garrett, James 21-25-71 

H. 

Hunter, C. Edwin ............ ....... 4-5-61-72- Back Cover 

Highways. List of ....... . .......... -..^.... 9* 

Hines, Jno. C. 26-47 

Hoopes, Rufus C, (Lumber, Coal & Feed) 9? 

Hansell Property .. — . 19" 

Hilbert, John C. a 26-60 

Haines, Wm. S. ................ 5o 



LANSDOV>XE PAST AND PRESENT " 97 

General Index — Continued 

Feature Pag e 



Irwin, Samuel F zi 

Irwin, Mrs. Robert F 51 

J. 

Johnson, George C 72 

Johnson, W. Albert 16-21-24-27-39 

Jackson, -John 25-26 

Janvier, Thomas G 23-25 

Johnson, Harry E. 45 

Janvier, Charles 26 

K. 

Knights of Columbus 48 

Kinsell, S. Tyson 70-72 

Kennedy, Dr. Wm. D 21 

Kent, Mrs. Henry T 51 

ly. 

Lutz, Hon. J. Milton 1-38-53 

I.,ansdowne Land Syndicate 2-65 

Lansdowne Civic Association 72 

Lansdowne Building & Loan Association 3o 

Lansdowne Borough Outlined in Paragraphs 5 

"Lansdowne," Origin of Name 1^ 

Lansdowne Avenue, North oi Railroad 14-15-16 

Lansdowne Avenue, South of Railroad 16-17 

Lansdowne Highlands 17 

Lansdowne Heights Land C ompany 17 

Lansdowne Country Club 44 

Lewis, Edwin B 21-25-64 

Longstreth, F. M. 21-24-45-71 

Lansdowne Drive Improvement Co., 23 

Lobb Farm 27 

Lansdowne Friends' Meeting 42 

Leonard, William A 47-68-78 

Lindsey, Thomas J 46-47 

Loughney, John V 48-61-81 

Lansdowne Natural History Club 43 

Lansdowne Republican Club 50 

Lansdowne Minstrels 51 

Lansdowne Fire Company 35 

Lansdowne Water Company 36 

Lansdowne Electric Light Company ^•j 

Lansdowne Sewage Company 39 



1)8 LANSDOA\XE PAST AND PRESENT 

General Index — Continued 

Feature Page 

Lansdowne Wet Wash and Cleaning Company 8b 

Lansdowne & Darby Saving Fund & Trust Co. 

Front Cover 

M. 

Metliodist Episcopal Church 41 

Mullin, Daniel D 14-1G-35-36-4S 

McKenna, Dr. John A 16-25-26-35-43-48-60 

McCullough, Cornelius 26-35-48-63-8S 

McBee, Rev. Crosswell 6-34-41 

Markee, Rev. Francis J 6-43-48 

Michell Co., Henry F 74 

McLaughlin, D. L 84 

McEwen, Wm. A. 21-26-58 

N. 

Nitzky, George A., Jr 37-64 

Neighbors' Club 50 

Nichols, Harley B 50 

Nichols, Mrs. Harley B. 51 

Natural History Club 49 

O. 

Ogden, J. Herbert 50-54 

Original Shoemaker House 29 

Old Country Club 18 

P. 

Price, Charles S. 13 

Pearson, Edward F. ^& 

Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore R. R U 

Pennsylvania R. R. Has Claim on Lansdowne 1* 

Philadelphia & Delaware County R. R. 12 

Post Office '^^ 

Pennock, Casper 14-24-64 

Plumstead Mansion ,... 17 

Powell, Walter C, 25 

Presbyterian Church 39-40 

Postmasters,— Names and Dates of Appointment. 

Public School System 30 

Public School Graduates— List of 31 

Philips, Prof. Walter L 30 

Public Library 33 

Phillips, John J. H 21 

Pusey, Hon. Fred Taylor 25-26-50-.52 

Pharaoh, The Plumber 75 

"Progress, The" 80^ 



LANSDOWXE PAST AND PRESENT !J') 



General Index — Continued 

Feature Pa^g 

Provident Life & Trust Co., of Philadelphia yj 

Philadelph a Suburban Electric Co yi 

Postel, A. H 24 

Paul, Emlen C 5^ 

R. 

Kobinson, R. J 7-65-7^ 

Railroad Station, Sketch of i;^ 

Railroad Transportation, Sketch of 10-11-12 

Rhoads, Dr. Warren L bH-ii 

Ryan, William H, 17-25 

Rhoads, Isaac H 4^ 

Read, William r' 44 

Reg-ester, Miss Annie Sinclair 33 

Runnymede Club House ' lo 

Ridings, John M., 25-35 

Runnymede vn 

Romagnoli, Louis T., (Tailor) 83 

S. 

Shoemaker, Richavdson 7-16-T9-57 

Stewart, James T 31-35-41-50-72 

Storch, George N 35-; 7 

School System, Public 30 

Shuster, William C , Jr. , 26-34-58 89 

Suddards, Charles A V6 

St. John's P. E. Church 40 

ShurtlefE, Charles L. 84 

Suburban Gas Company 7-73 

Schappett, John C ,, 17-48 

St. Philomena's Parochial School 34 

St. Philomena's R. C. Church 43 

Statzell, George W 44-59-82 

Stewart, Homer C 14-15 

Statzell, Henry 

"Sunset View" 

Smith, L. L 

Shoemaker, C. B. 

School Boards , 

Saunders, William 

Salter, E. D 

Smith, William C 

Simpler, Claude A , 26- 

Shoemakerv'* House, Original 

Shoemaker, Benjamin H., 3rd 

Street, Tammany P. 



-16 


-21 




ii-' 




17 




24 




24 




31 


21 


-25 




25 


25 


-26 


A- 


-47 


16- 


-29 


35- 


-31; 


25- 


-50 



100 LANS.DOWNE PAST AND TKESENT 



APB 26 1909General Index — Continued 

Feature Page 

Shaffner, William F , 35-36 

Springfield Consolidate Water Co. 37 

St. John's Club -.. 41 

T. 

Trolley Transportation ,.. ,, ,, 5- 

The Wilson Tile Company ...., 81 

Trommer, Frank, (Barber) 90 

Taylor, Francis G., 25-25- 

ir. 

Union Athletic Association .....-.....„.-.-.„ 46-4T 

Vanzandt, Joseph S. ^-35-69-71 

Vandever, M. T. ..» ,. ... 21-31-50^ 

Verlenden, "W. l>ane Front Cover, 

W^. 

White, George Faster .-.......„ Front Cover, 36^ 

Woolman, Miss Anna ..- - 3K 

Ware,. Warren F. .- 50 

Warren, H. L. 24 

"Wilson Tile Company .-. ST 

"Woolman, John and Naomt .^.. 42^ 

Warren, Louis A .- .-- 46-4T 

Wagner, Charles M. _........ 21-33-35-50 

White, TVaiter Rhoads - 49' 

Webb, Walter L 5(* 

Webb, Mrs. Waltei- L. 51 

T\^ycombe Land Company 1^ 

West Clioster &. PhUadeiphia. R.. R.. ., II 



^fiOGRESS PRINT, DARBY, PMn' 



Suburban 

REAL ESTATE 

For Sale, Rent, Rent Furnished, 
in all Parts of the Suburbs ~->5' 



C, EDWIN HUNTER 

Suburban Real Estate 

J 408-09 North American Building 
Philadelphia 



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